Name: Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 small onions (thinly sliced); 1-2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken; ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers (chopped, plus more to garnish); 6 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 package flour tortillas ((about 10 tortillas)); 28 ounces green enchilada sauce; 4 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese (optional, for filling); 8 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese; to taste salt (optional)

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If you’re searching for a comforting, delicious, and satisfying meal that can easily become a family favorite, look no further than these creamy chicken enchiladas. Bursting with flavor and creamy goodness, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy filling, all enveloped in soft tortillas and smothered in a zesty green enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these enchiladas will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These creamy chicken enchiladas are not only easy to make, but they also offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy filling made with cream cheese and shredded chicken creates a luscious bite, while the roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness and color. Plus, the convenience of using pre-cooked chicken means you can whip up this dish in no time. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation!

What’s in the Bowl

To create these delicious creamy chicken enchiladas, gather the following ingredients:

2 small onions, thinly sliced
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped, plus more to garnish
6 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons butter plus dried herbs/garlic powder as desired
1 package of flour tortillas (mine had 10 tortillas)
28-ounce can of green enchilada sauce
4 ounces more shredded Monterey jack cheese, optional, to use in filling
8 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese
Salt, optional (I did not use)

Gear Checklist

Before you begin cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Large skillet for sautéing
Mixing bowl for combining filling ingredients
9×13 inch baking dish for assembling enchiladas
Spatula for mixing and serving
Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: The Process

The process of making creamy chicken enchiladas is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious result:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the chopped cooked chicken, roasted red peppers, cream cheese, and if desired, 4 ounces of shredded Monterey jack cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated. You can season with dried herbs or garlic powder at this stage if you like.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of green enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Take a flour tortilla, place a generous scoop of the creamy chicken filling in the center, roll it up tightly, and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.

Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Once you’ve arranged all the enchiladas in the dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring that every tortilla is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining 8 ounces of shredded Monterey jack cheese evenly over the sauce.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to lighten up your creamy chicken enchiladas, consider the following tweaks:

Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of regular cream cheese.
Substitute whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
Incorporate more veggies, such as spinach or zucchini, into the filling.
Opt for a reduced-sodium enchilada sauce to cut back on salt.

Missteps & Fixes

Even the best cooks can encounter a few hiccups in the kitchen. Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:

If your filling is too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or another dollop of cream cheese.
For a smoother sauce, blend the green enchilada sauce before pouring it over the enchiladas.
If the tortillas tear while rolling, microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up.
Overbaking can lead to dry enchiladas, so keep an eye on them in the oven.

Storage & Reheat Guide

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
If freezing, wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with black beans, lentils, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty filling.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer.

What should I serve with creamy chicken enchiladas?

These enchiladas are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re loving the creamy and comforting vibe of this dish, you might also enjoy these healthy-ish favorites:

Hungry for More?

Stay tuned for more comforting recipes that warm the heart and satisfy the taste buds. From savory casseroles to delicious soups, there’s always something new to try. Your kitchen is about to become your favorite place to be!

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, these creamy chicken enchiladas are sure to impress. With their rich flavors and creamy texture, they offer a delightful twist on a classic dish. So roll up those tortillas and dive into a plate of pure deliciousness!

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