The Best Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe

Crafting delectable cheesy chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Memories of warm, comforting meals flood back with each rolled tortilla.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Authentic Mexican-inspired flavors combine perfectly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Soft tortillas embracing tender chicken and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience.

Savory spices and rich, velvety sauce promise a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Come explore this irresistible recipe that will become your new favorite comfort food.

Why Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Are So Tasty

• Savor Speedy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal complex steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the enchiladas by switching proteins, adding extra spices, or incorporating different cheese varieties to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• One-Pan Wonder: With simple skillet and baking dish techniques, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup and streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without extensive preparation.

Everything You Need For Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the primary protein base of the enchiladas.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken that adds extra flavor and simplifies preparation.

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the enchiladas.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a golden topping and additional flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tangy element in the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to a luxurious, creamy texture in the enchilada sauce.

• Enchilada Sauce: Classic base that gives traditional Mexican flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce's depth and provides additional moisture.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft wrapper that holds the enchilada filling.
• Onions: Provides a foundational savory flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the chicken and sauce.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds traditional Mexican seasoning.
• Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat and complex flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other flavors.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and traditional garnish.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for another minute.

Step 3: Season And Cook Chicken

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken thoroughly in the skillet until no pink remains, which takes about 7-8 minutes per side.

Step 4: Shred The Chicken

Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken and mix it with rotisserie chicken in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream

Blend until the sauce is smooth and silky.

Step 6: Prepare The Tortillas

Gently warm the flour tortillas to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Step 7: Fill And Roll

Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken mixture and monterey jack cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 8: Drench With Sauce

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring every inch is covered.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the enchiladas.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Garnish And Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Smart Ideas For Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

• Soften Tortillas Perfectly: Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use a mix of rotisserie and freshly cooked chicken to ensure moisture and rich, tender texture throughout the enchiladas.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Opt for freshly shredded monterey jack and cheddar instead of pre-packaged cheese for superior melting and more authentic flavor.

Tasty Takes On Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

• Gluten-Free Enchiladas: Replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas and use gluten-free enchilada sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Skip tortillas entirely and layer ingredients in a baking dish, using zucchini or cauliflower as a base for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Mexican Enchiladas: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, and add extra cheese for protein and flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Enchiladas: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot sauce in the creamy sauce, and incorporating pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.

What Goes With Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Margarita: Craft a classic lime margarita with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to complement the enchiladas' spicy and creamy flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Beer Companion: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rich, cheesy enchilada sauce and refresh the palate.
• Enhance with Tangy Lime Cilantro Slaw: Create a bright, crunchy side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to balance the enchiladas' warmth.

Keep Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Fresh

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Carefully place them in a single layer to prevent sticking, covering with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, remove enchiladas from refrigerator, and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Questions About Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken and freshly cooked chicken breasts are ideal, providing tender and flavorful meat that shreds easily and blends well in the enchiladas.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add extra chili powder, include diced jalapeños, or use a spicier enchilada sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour tortillas. To make it gluten-free, substitute with corn tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Assemble the enchiladas completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, remove from refrigerator and bake as directed.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cheesy chicken enchiladas blend Mexican culinary magic with comfort food perfection. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 0.5 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup heavy cream

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 flour tortillas
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 diced onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light olive oil spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Season chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then cook thoroughly in the skillet until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes per side.
4. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, combining it with rotisserie chicken in a mixing bowl.
5. Create the creamy enchilada sauce by whisking together enchilada sauce, chicken broth, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Warm the flour tortillas briefly to increase flexibility, then fill each with shredded chicken mixture and monterey jack cheese.
7. Roll the filled tortillas tightly and arrange them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
8. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the enchiladas.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are slightly golden.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth without compromising texture.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative, gently warming them first to prevent cracking during rolling.
• Consider reducing heavy cream and replacing with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Prepare enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together, then bake when ready to serve for maximum taste intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg