Uncategorized

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

 

Ingredients:

  • 3 chicken breasts, cubed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cans (10 ounces each) green chile enchilada sauce
  • 8-10 large flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
  3. Prepare Creamy Filling: Once the chicken is cooked, add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully combined with the chicken. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon a portion of the creamy chicken mixture onto each flour tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly, enclosing the filling like a burrito, and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the green chile enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, covering them evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, covering all the enchiladas.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
  8. Enjoy: Serve these creamy chicken enchiladas with your preferred side dishes or enjoy them on their own. They make a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family to enjoy!

Feel free to customize this recipe with additional ingredients or toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken enchiladas!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Creamy Chicken Enchiladas even more delightful:

  1. Add Vegetables: Consider adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the creamy chicken filling. This not only adds flavor and texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the enchiladas.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions into the creamy chicken filling for added freshness and flavor. You can also sprinkle them on top of the enchiladas before serving.
  3. Enhance Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings for the chicken, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or smoked paprika, to add depth of flavor to the filling.
  4. Mix Cheeses: Combine different types of cheeses for the filling and topping, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or queso fresco, to add variety and complexity to the dish.
  5. Roasted Salsa Verde: Instead of using canned green chile enchilada sauce, try making your own roasted salsa verde for a fresher and more vibrant flavor. Simply roast tomatillos, jalapeños, and onions until charred, then blend with cilantro, garlic, and lime juice.
  6. Corn Tortillas: For a more authentic taste, consider using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. You can lightly fry them in oil before assembling the enchiladas to make them more pliable and enhance their flavor.
  7. Layer with Sour Cream: Before rolling up the tortillas, spread a thin layer of sour cream over each one. This adds creaminess and richness to the filling and keeps the enchiladas moist during baking.
  8. Drizzle with Avocado Crema: Serve the enchiladas with a drizzle of homemade avocado crema made with ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro. It adds a refreshing and creamy element to the dish.
  9. Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set. This helps prevent the enchiladas from falling apart when serving.
  10. Serve with Fresh Salsa: Accompany the enchiladas with a side of fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. The bright and tangy flavors complement the creamy richness of the enchiladas perfectly.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll take your Creamy Chicken Enchiladas to the next level and create a dish that’s even more flavorful and delightful. Enjoy your enchiladas!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Season the Chicken Well: Seasoning the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before cooking ensures that it’s flavorful and delicious. Don’t be afraid to layer on the seasoning for maximum flavor.
  2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken breasts, real cream cheese, and flavorful enchilada sauce. Using fresh ingredients will elevate the overall taste and texture of the dish.
  3. Cook Chicken Until Golden Brown: Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and caramelized on the outside. This adds depth of flavor and ensures that the chicken is tender and juicy inside the enchiladas.
  4. Cream Cheese Mixture Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the chicken. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling that evenly coats the chicken and adds richness to the enchiladas.
  5. Warm Tortillas Before Rolling: Warm the flour tortillas slightly before rolling them to make them more pliable and less likely to tear. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for a few seconds or heating them briefly in a skillet.
  6. Evenly Distribute Filling: Spread the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly along the center of each tortilla before rolling them up. This ensures that each enchilada has a consistent amount of filling and prevents them from becoming too bulky.
  7. Seam-Side Down in Baking Dish: Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish to prevent them from unraveling during baking. This also helps the enchiladas hold their shape and ensures that the filling stays inside.
  8. Cover with Sauce and Cheese: Generously coat the rolled enchiladas with enchilada sauce, making sure to cover them completely. Then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a gooey and delicious finish.
  9. Bake Until Cheese is Melted and Bubbly: Bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden brown. This ensures that the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
  10. Rest Before Serving: Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking to set and cool slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Creamy Chicken Enchiladas that are flavorful, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy your enchiladas!

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Creamy Chicken Enchiladas:

  1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas?
    • Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and mix it with the cream cheese mixture before assembling the enchiladas.
  2. What can I substitute for cream cheese in Creamy Chicken Enchiladas?
    • If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use cashew cream, vegan cream cheese, or a mixture of pureed silken tofu and nutritional yeast as a substitute for cream cheese in the filling.
  3. Can I make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
  4. How do I reheat Creamy Chicken Enchiladas?
    • To reheat leftover enchiladas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed to your liking.
  5. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Enchiladas?
    • Yes, you can freeze Creamy Chicken Enchiladas for longer storage. Assemble the enchiladas but do not bake them. Wrap the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
  6. What side dishes go well with Creamy Chicken Enchiladas?
    • Popular side dishes to serve with Creamy Chicken Enchiladas include Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, black bean salad, or a simple green salad with avocado and lime dressing.
  7. Can I make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas spicy?
    • Yes, you can add heat to Creamy Chicken Enchiladas by incorporating diced green chilies, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the filling mixture. You can also use a spicy enchilada sauce or add hot sauce to the dish before serving.
  8. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
    • To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, lightly toast them in a dry skillet before filling and rolling them. This helps to remove excess moisture and ensures that the enchiladas hold their shape during baking.
  9. Can I use corn tortillas for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas?
    • Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent them from tearing.
  10. How can I make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas healthier?
    • To make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas healthier, you can use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the amount of cheese, and incorporate more vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach into the filling. You can also use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce the fat content.

These are some of the common questions related to Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, and I hope these answers are helpful!