Looking for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? You’re in the right place! This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe brings creamy, cheesy goodness together with tender chicken, wrapped in a soft tortilla.
Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, these enchiladas always hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
If you love easy chicken recipes or crave Mexican-inspired comfort food, this dish is about to become a staple at your dinner table. I remember making these enchiladas after a long day, and the smiles around the table made every step worth it. They’re simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Plus, the creamy filling is pure comfort on a plate!
- Quick to prepare – only 15 minutes of prep time!
- Kid-friendly – little ones love the cheesy, mild flavors.
- Perfect for leftovers – these enchiladas reheat beautifully.
- Freezer-friendly – meal prep just got easier.
What Are Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas?
If you’ve never tried enchiladas with cream cheese before, you’re in for a treat! Think of it as the best of two worlds: creamy chicken filling wrapped in warm tortillas and baked with tangy enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s like a hug on a plate.
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish made with filled tortillas topped with sauce and cheese. The twist in this recipe comes from the addition of cream cheese, which makes the filling extra rich and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Most ingredients are probably already in your fridge or pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Cream cheese – softened to room temperature
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a Tex-Mex blend)
- Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour tortillas (medium size, about 8-inch)
- Chopped green onions
- Salt, pepper, and any favorite seasonings
Got leftover chicken or veggies? Toss them in – this recipe is super flexible.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Let’s walk through the process. You’ll be surprised how quickly this dinner comes together!
1. Prep the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, a little of your shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. The cream cheese should melt together with the chicken, making a creamy, dreamy filling. (Tip: Warm the cream cheese a bit to make mixing easy!)
2. Fill the Tortillas
Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla. Don’t overfill – about 1/3 cup per tortilla will do the trick. Roll them up and place seam-side down in your baking dish. It’s a bit like wrapping a present, only tastier.
3. Pour & Sprinkle
Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top. The more cheese, the better if you ask me!
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing – be warned, this might bring curious family members into the kitchen!
5. Serve & Enjoy
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes, then serve. I love to top mine with extra green onions, a spoonful of salsa, or even a dollop of sour cream. What toppings do you love?
Tips for the Best Chicken Enchiladas
- Use rotisserie chicken for a big shortcut and tons of flavor.
- Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Warm tortillas briefly so they’re easier to roll and less likely to tear.
- If you want to add extra veggies, try corn, bell peppers, or black beans.
- Spice it up – add jalapenos or a pinch of chili powder for heat!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
This recipe is a meal prep superstar! Here’s how to make your busy weeknights even easier:
- Make ahead: Assemble the enchiladas and store, covered, in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for prepping in the morning and baking at dinnertime!
- Freeze: Place assembled (unbaked) enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, just add 10-15 more minutes to the bake time.
- Leftover magic: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven. They taste just as good the next day!
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
While these enchiladas are a meal by themselves, sometimes you want a little something on the side. Here are my favorites:
- Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Black beans or refried beans
- Fresh salad with tomatoes and avocado
- Tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole
- Corn on the cob or elote (Mexican street corn)
Mix and match, or keep it simple – either way, you can’t go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Of course! If you prefer a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work well. Just warm them first to prevent cracking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for roasted veggies or black beans, and you’ll still have a creamy, cheesy delight.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is mild, making it family-friendly. Want more heat? Add extra chili powder or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
Two forks do the job, but my quick tip: use a stand mixer! It shreds warm chicken in seconds.
Try This Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Tonight!
Ready to shake up your dinner routine? These easy Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are the answer. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and comforting flavors, they’ll quickly earn a spot in your family’s favorites.
Leave a comment below if you try them and share your favorite enchilada twists! What other family-friendly dinners would you like to see next?
If you love easy chicken recipes, don’t forget to check out my Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos or One Pan Chicken and Rice for more crowd-pleasing ideas!
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