Silky Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Tonight

Creamy, cheesy goodness awaits with these zesty cream cheese chicken enchiladas that promise a flavor explosion in every bite.

Tender chicken mingles with rich cream cheese, creating a luxurious filling that will make taste buds dance.

Rolled perfectly in soft tortillas and smothered in a vibrant sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality magic to your dinner table.

The combination of tangy cream cheese and spicy seasonings creates an irresistible blend that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each enchilada delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dinner just got a delicious upgrade that’ll have you craving these enchiladas again and again.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering meal that proves comfort food can be both exciting and sophisticated.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Needed For Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that creates the hearty base of the enchiladas, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess and rich texture, select full-fat version for maximum flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy smoothness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Shredded Cheese: Delivers gooey melting quality, choose sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for depth.
• Green Chilies: Introduces subtle heat and zesty brightness, opt for mild or hot depending on preference.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses aromatic depth without raw garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Contributes savory undertones without chopping fresh onions.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and complexity.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas work perfectly, warm slightly to prevent cracking.

• Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture and classic Mexican flavor, choose red or green sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright garnish, chop finely.
• Tomatoes: Optional fresh topping for color and freshness.
• Jalapenos: Optional spicy garnish for heat lovers.

Tools To Prep Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing chicken filling ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking enchiladas evenly.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps combine filling ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate portions of chicken mixture and sauce.
• Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent over-browning.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping garnishes like cilantro and tomatoes.
• Cheese grater: Optional, for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

Steps To Make Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Smooth

• Warm Up Your Kitchen

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Whip Together the Magic Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend shredded chicken with creamy cheese, tangy sour cream, melty cheese, zesty green chilies, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion magic. Mix until everything hugs together perfectly.

• Roll and Tuck the Deliciousness

Splash some enchilada sauce on the bottom of your dish. Scoop a hearty portion of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, then roll them up like cozy blankets and nestle them snugly into the baking dish.

• Drench and Dress

Pour the remaining sauce over your enchilada lineup, then shower the top with an extra blanket of cheese that’ll melt into golden deliciousness.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and let the oven work its magic for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, irresistible masterpiece.

• Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle some fresh cilantro, toss on diced tomatoes, or add sliced jalapenos for an extra kick. Plate up with rice and beans, and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tasty Tips For Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Quick Meal Prep: Shred chicken in advance or use rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and simplify the process.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Assemble enchiladas, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas for a lighter version that's keto-friendly and reduces overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use vegan shredded cheese to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies, or add extra diced jalapenos for those who love a spicier kick. Remove seeds from peppers to reduce intensity while maintaining flavor.

Serving Up Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas Hot

• Fiesta Night Delight: Pair these creamy enchiladas with Mexican-style rice for a complete meal that'll transport your taste buds south of the border.
• Fresh and Zesty Topping Trio: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños on top to add bright colors, extra flavor, and a cool crunch to each bite.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside black beans, Spanish rice, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy enchiladas and create a well-rounded dinner experience that'll make everyone happy.
• Cooling Companion Sauces: Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole on the side to complement the spicy chilies and provide a creamy, cooling contrast to the warm enchiladas.

Storage Help For Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen enchiladas remain delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and melty cheese. Microwave works for quick meals, but may soften tortilla texture slightly. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for extra flavor.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare chicken filling and assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Keep unbaked dish covered in the refrigerator, then bake directly when ready to serve. This technique saves time and maintains maximum freshness for busy weeknight dinners.

Zesty Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired cream cheese chicken enchiladas promise rich, creamy comfort in every bite. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (0.47 L/16 fl oz) shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup (118 mL/4 fl oz) sour cream
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheese (topping)
• 1 can (4 oz/113 g) diced green chilies
• 8–10 flour tortillas (medium-sized)
• 2 cups (473 mL/16 fl oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Kitchen Setup: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent ingredient adherence.
2. Create Filling Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasonings into a harmonious, creamy mixture that promises rich flavor complexity.
3. Establish Sauce Foundation: Spread a thin enchilada sauce layer across the baking dish bottom, creating a moisture-rich environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
4. Assemble Enchilada Rolls: Carefully distribute the chicken mixture into tortillas, rolling each into a tight cylinder and positioning them seam-side down within the sauced baking vessel, ensuring precise placement and uniform coverage.
5. Enhance Flavor Profile: Generously drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, guaranteeing complete moisture distribution and intensifying the dish’s overall taste experience.
6. Cheese Transformation: Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese across the enchiladas, creating a golden, melting layer that will develop a crisp, appetizing crust during baking.
7. Baking Process: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and filling to heat thoroughly, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and golden-brown.
8. Final Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapenos to elevate visual appeal and introduce complementary flavor dimensions.
9. Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately with accompanying rice and beans, transforming the dish into a complete, satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Shred chicken finely and ensure it’s not too dry by using rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken with retained moisture for a creamy, tender filling.
• Prevent Tortilla Sogginess: Lightly toast tortillas before filling to create a protective barrier that stops excess sauce from making them mushy during baking.
• Control Cream Cheese Consistency: Soften cream cheese at room temperature and mix thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, even filling throughout the enchiladas.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust green chilies and add optional jalapeños or hot sauce to personalize heat intensity for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg