Welcome to our food blog, where we’re excited to share with you the ultimate recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to culinary heaven!
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Must-Try Recipe for Mexican Cuisine Lovers!
Growing up in a family passionate about cooking, Sunday dinners were a special tradition. This Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas recipe was a staple at our table, passed down from my grandmother. It brings back fond memories of laughter, love, and the irresistible aroma of baking enchiladas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The blend of cream cheese and Mexican cheese creates a lusciously creamy texture.
- Perfectly Spiced: With a mix of cumin, chili powder, and green chiles, these enchiladas have just the right amount of heat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this dish is guaranteed to win over everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Shopping List
- Flour tortillas (8-10)
- Cream cheese (8 oz.)
- Green chiles (1-2 cans, 4 oz. each)
- Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups)
- Grated Mexican blend cheese (2 cups)
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups)
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon)
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Ingredients
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature, divided into two halves
- 1-2 (4 oz.) cans green chiles
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups grated Mexican blend cheese, divided into two 1-cup portions
- 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 for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine half of the cream cheese, shredded chicken, one cup of Mexican cheese, green chiles, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spread the filling evenly onto each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened. Add the remaining cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
- Shredded Chicken: For best results, use freshly cooked and shredded chicken.
- Cheese Matters: Opt for high-quality Mexican blend cheese for a richer taste.
- Sauce Consistency: Ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon for the perfect texture.
The Secrets Behind the Perfect Recipe
When it comes to making the perfect Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas, there are a few key secrets that can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary. Here’s a deeper dive into the essentials for a flawless enchilada experience:
- Quality of Ingredients: The foundation of a great enchilada lies in its ingredients. Opt for fresh, high-quality produce. Using a good Mexican blend of cheese and fresh, plump green chiles can significantly impact the flavor profile of your dish.
- Cream Cheese Balance: The cream cheese is the heart of this recipe, providing a rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor. Ensure that it’s at room temperature for smooth blending. Balancing its quantity is crucial – too much can overpower other flavors, while too little might make the enchiladas less creamy.
- Chicken Preparation: The chicken should be tender and flavorful. Opt for cooking the chicken with some basic spices or even in a chicken broth to infuse more flavor before shredding it. Well-seasoned, moist chicken elevates the overall taste.
- Sauce Thickness: The consistency of the sauce is vital. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too heavy or overly rich. A well-made sauce binds all the elements together, seeping into the tortillas during baking, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Cheese Distribution: Cheese plays a dual role – inside for creamy filling and on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Distribute the cheese evenly inside the enchiladas and ensure enough is reserved for a generous topping.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the tortillas firmly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. However, be gentle to avoid tearing them. This ensures that each enchilada cooks evenly and holds its shape.
- Baking to Perfection: Bake the enchiladas until they are just right – the cheese should be melted and slightly golden on top, and the edges of the tortillas slightly crisp. Overbaking can dry them out, while underbaking can leave them too soggy.
- Resting Before Serving: Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This step allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve them without falling apart.
By paying attention to these details, you can create Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas that are not only delicious but also have the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a sure hit at any gathering.
Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Creating the perfect meal experience with Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas involves more than just the enchiladas themselves. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Side Dishes:
- Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements the flavors of the enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, they add a lovely texture contrast.
- Corn Salad: A light and refreshing option to balance the richness of the enchiladas.
- Guacamole and Chips: Perfect for dipping and snacking alongside the main dish.
- Beverages:
- Margaritas: A classic choice that pairs beautifully with Mexican cuisine.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, these are refreshing and palate-cleansing.
- Mexican Beers: A cold beer can complement the spices and flavors of the enchiladas.
- Desserts:
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End the meal on a sweet note with this beloved treat.
- Flan: A creamy custard that is light yet satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to eat.
- Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
- Yes, these enchiladas freeze well. Bake them first, let them cool, then cover and freeze. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- How long can I store leftover enchiladas?
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
- Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a healthier alternative, though it may slightly alter the richness of the dish.
- Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, simply substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free ones, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
- Definitely! Shredded pork, beef, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu can be used.
- How can I make the enchiladas spicier?
- Add extra chili powder, some jalapeños, or a hotter variety of green chiles to increase the heat.
These serving suggestions and FAQs aim to enhance your dining experience and provide helpful insights for making the Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas a favorite in your recipe collection.
Check out our top Mexican dishes for family dinners
Keto Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Low-Carb Delight
Our Keto-Friendly Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas recipe offers a delicious, low-carb twist to a classic Mexican dish. This recipe perfectly marries the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the robust flavors of green chiles and spices, all wrapped up in low-carb tortillas. With tender shredded chicken and a blend of melted cheese, these enchiladas are a testament to the fact that following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or comfort food favorites. Whether you’re strictly following a keto diet or just looking to reduce your carb intake, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory, hearty, and utterly delicious. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a guilt-free culinary adventure that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 8-10 low-carb tortillas (such as almond flour or coconut flour tortillas)
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature, divided into two halves
- 1-2 (4 oz.) cans green chiles
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend, divided into two 1-cup portions
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons almond flour or coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Filling: Combine half of the cream cheese, chicken, one cup of cheese, green chiles, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Fill each low-carb tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll up, and place in a baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in almond or coconut flour, then slowly whisk in chicken broth. Add the remaining cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Try this recipe today and experience the magic of Mexican cuisine in the comfort of your home!
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