The Best Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich and creamy goodness of **cream cheese chicken enchiladas**. This dish takes the classic Mexican favorite and elevates it with a decadent, savory filling and a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. This **chicken enchilada recipe with cream cheese** is simple to prepare and delivers a mouthwatering result that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’ve been searching for a hearty and satisfying meal that is also incredibly easy, this is the recipe for you. It is one of the best out there, and you will love how it turns out every time.

The first time I tried to make **chicken enchiladas with cream cheese**, I was a little skeptical. But the moment I pulled the bubbling baking dish from the oven, I knew I was in for a treat. The melted cheese and the creamy sauce were so inviting. The first bite was pure bliss, a perfect balance of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice. This **easy chicken enchilada recipe** became an instant hit in my house, and I have been making it ever since. It’s a dish that brings a lot of joy and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy to make for any skill level
• Provides a creamy and rich flavor profile
• A great use for leftover chicken
• Perfect for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal

Ingredients

The magic of this dish lies in the simple combination of a few key ingredients. The star of the show is the **chicken and cream cheese enchiladas** filling, which is so simple yet so flavorful. This **chicken enchilada recipe with cream cheese** is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

• Cooked chicken: shredded chicken is a great base for the filling.
• Cream cheese: the key ingredient for a creamy and tangy filling.
• Cheese: a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a gooey, melty top.
• Green chiles: adds a mild heat and a touch of flavor to the filling.
• Sour cream: a base for the creamy, savory sauce.
• Green enchilada sauce: a great shortcut for a flavorful sauce.
• Tortillas: soft flour tortillas are the best choice for this dish as they hold up well to the creamy filling.

Instructions

Prepare The Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, and diced green chiles. Stir until everything is well combined and the cream cheese is evenly distributed. This will be the delicious filling for your **cream cheese chicken enchiladas**.

Make The Sauce:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and green enchilada sauce until smooth. This will be the sauce that makes your enchiladas so creamy and delicious. A great sauce for **chicken enchiladas with cream cheese** is essential for a delicious result.

Assemble The Enchiladas:

Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a scoop of the chicken and cream cheese mixture into the center of a tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Bake The Enchiladas:

Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time is crucial for a perfect **cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe**.

Rest And Serve:

Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm. This is a great **chicken enchiladas using cream cheese** recipe.

You Must Know

The best part of this **cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe** is the combination of the creamy filling and the savory sauce. The use of pre-cooked chicken makes this a great meal for a quick weeknight dinner. The sour cream and green enchilada sauce create a perfect, creamy, and tangy sauce. This is a great **easy chicken enchilada recipe** for any skill level.

Storage Tips

Store leftover **cream cheese chicken enchiladas** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave or place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake.

Ingredient Substitutions

For this **cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe**, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option. For the sauce, you can use a red enchilada sauce for a different flavor. You can also add more veggies to the filling, such as corn or black beans. This **chicken enchilada recipe with cream cheese** is very versatile. For a great complement, check out our delicious Chipotle Chicken Recipe. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from The New York Times Cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these **cream cheese chicken enchiladas** with a side of rice and a simple salad. They are also delicious with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. They are a great meal for a family dinner. You can even serve them with a side of corn on the cob.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Enchiladas have a long history in Mexico, where they were first documented as a street food. The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word “enchilar,” which means “to add chili to.” Over time, the dish has evolved, with many regional variations. This **cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe** is a modern American twist on the classic. It’s a testament to how food traditions can evolve and adapt.

Seasonal Adaptations

This **cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe** is a perfect year-round meal. In the summer, you can serve it with a fresh corn salad. In the winter, it’s a great cozy meal to enjoy with a side of rice and a warm beverage. You can also add some seasonal vegetables to the filling for a different flavor.

Three Helpful Notes about This Recipe

• The sauce is the key to a creamy result. Whisk it well to ensure there are no lumps.
• Do not overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to roll.
• Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent them from falling apart.

Success Stories

I have heard from so many people who have made this **cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe** and were amazed by the results. One person said they were able to make a meal that everyone loved, and it was so easy. This recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family. The final result is a delicious and creamy meal.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the **cream cheese chicken enchiladas** and freeze them before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You can also cook them directly from the freezer, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Pro Tips

• Use a food processor to shred your chicken for a quick and easy option.
• For a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Use a good quality cheese blend for a perfect melted top.

Common Recipe Questions

→ a good sauce for chicken enchiladas using cream cheese?

A good sauce for **chicken enchiladas using cream cheese** is a simple mix of green enchilada sauce and sour cream. This creates a tangy, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the filling. You can also use a red enchilada sauce for a different flavor.

→ how to make chicken enchiladas with cream cheese?

To make **chicken enchiladas with cream cheese**, you will first mix shredded chicken with cream cheese and green chiles. Then, you will roll this mixture in tortillas, place them in a baking dish, cover them with a sauce made from sour cream and green enchilada sauce, and bake.

→ do you put cream cheese in chicken enchiladas?

Yes, you can absolutely put **cream cheese in chicken enchiladas**. It adds a creamy, tangy, and rich flavor to the filling, making the dish more decadent and satisfying. It is a great way to make a delicious meal.

→ how long do you cook enchiladas?

You typically cook enchiladas for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The enchiladas should be heated through and the filling should be warm.

→ can i freeze cream cheese chicken enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze **cream cheese chicken enchiladas**. You can assemble the dish and freeze it before baking, or you can freeze the leftovers after cooking. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to eat them.

→ how to make cream cheese chicken enchiladas?

To make **cream cheese chicken enchiladas**, you will shred cooked chicken and mix it with softened cream cheese and green chiles. This mixture is then rolled into tortillas, placed in a baking dish, covered with a sauce, and baked until hot and bubbly.

What You’ll Need

→ Filling

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

→ Sauce

1 cup sour cream

1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce

→ Topping

2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend)

8-10 flour tortillas

→ Tools

9×13-inch baking dish

Mixing bowls

Steps to Follow

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, and green chiles until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream and green enchilada sauce.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
6. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Extra Handy Tips

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.

Warm the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave to make them easier to roll.

Add a little bit of cilantro to the filling for a fresh flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula

Allergy Details

This **cream cheese chicken enchiladas** recipe contains dairy and gluten. It is important to verify ingredient labels and consult a healthcare professional if you have allergies.