Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

With all the plates that we juggle in this life, it’s never a bad time for a fiesta that can lift the spirits and spice things up a bit! Great food is such a fun way to travel the globe when you crave a new experience, but not all of us have the time or extra resources to hop a plane to the sunny sands of Mexico. So…we thought why not bring those exotic flavors right to your home for a festive staycation? Trying new things in the kitchen truly can be a fun adventure, but we feel it’s also comforting to know that a recipe has certain tried and true ingredients that you can count on to deliver a home run every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheese – who doesn’t love it and how delicious it really becomes when it’s all melted and gooey? You will find yummy, golden Mexican cheese both on top and mixed inside these enchiladas, and rich cream cheese mixed with hearty chicken that’s seasoned with warm spices and cool lime juice. It doesn’t take a lot of chicken either- just three shredded cups! We also love how the Latin flavors of this recipe talk to your tongue without being too spicy. The cool sensation of the fresh lime juice really balances the flavors of cumin and chile powder and canned green chiles pack a mild, but flavorful punch that can still stand out in a crowd.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Oven

Ingredients

• 8-10 flour tortillas
• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature, divided [1/2 and 1/2]
• 1-2 (4 oz.) cans green chiles
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated, divided [1 cup; 1 cup]
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, garnish, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cream cheese, chicken, 1 cup cheese, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
3. Take 1 tortilla and fill it with 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture, then place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and green chiles. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cream cheese and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and pour the green chile sauce over the enchiladas.
7. Top with remaining cheese.
8. Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until cheese and filling are melted and bubbly.
9. Optional: broil for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
10. Remove from oven and let it rest and set for 10-12 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Prepare the sauce as the last step to keep it smooth and fluid.
• Let the enchiladas rest after baking for better flavor and texture.

Additional Tips or Variations

You can prepare these enchiladas a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking, or freeze them for a later date. Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat if you like it spicy!

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450, Protein: 23g, Carbs: 34g, Fat: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour? Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, but they may have a different texture.

How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious way to enjoy a taste of Mexico from the comfort of your own home. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and we’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with!