Creamy Dream: Homemade Cream Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

Creamy cheese enchiladas bring unexpected magic to weeknight dinner adventures.

Mexican comfort food beckons with irresistible layers of flavor and warmth.

Soft tortillas wrap around rich, tangy cream cheese and tender chicken.

Spices dance through each delectable bite, promising a meal that sparks conversations.

Melted cheese creates golden landscapes across perfectly rolled enchiladas.

Weekend cooking feels like a joyful celebration with this simple yet impressive dish.

Savor every moment as you create something truly delicious that connects people around the table.

Flavorful Variations of Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Verde: Replace chicken with roasted black beans, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty plant-based version. Add extra green chiles for bold flavor.
• Spicy Southwest: Incorporate jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce into the filling. Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken with sautéed shrimp or crab meat. Add fresh lime zest and use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar cheeses for oceanic richness.
• Green Chile Ranch: Mix ranch seasoning into the cream cheese sauce and filling. Top with crispy bacon bits and green onions for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Best Pairings to Complement Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the creamy, spicy enchiladas with a classic lime margarita that echoes the dish's tangy lime juice and adds a refreshing kick.
• Serve Mexican Cabbage Slaw: Create a light, crunchy side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to balance the rich, cheesy enchiladas.
• Enhance with Mexican Rice: Prepare a simple cilantro-lime rice that absorbs the green chile sauce and provides a perfect textural contrast to the soft, creamy enchiladas.
• Recommend Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Top the enchiladas with a dollop of cold sour cream to cut through the heat and add a smooth, tangy element to each bite.

How to Store Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs on Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Are cream cheese enchiladas spicy?

The recipe allows for optional chili powder, so you can control the heat level. Adding green chiles provides mild flavor without overwhelming spiciness.

• Can I use different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, shredded beef, pulled pork, or even vegetarian options like black beans work great in this enchilada recipe.

• Do I need special tortillas for this recipe?

Standard corn or flour tortillas work perfectly. Ensure they’re fresh and pliable for easy rolling without cracking.

• How do I prevent my enchiladas from becoming soggy?

Warm tortillas slightly before filling, don’t overfill, and make sure your green chile sauce isn’t too thin to help maintain a good texture.

Why Cream Cheese Enchiladas Are So Creamy and Flavorful

• Savor Creamy Comfort: Dive into a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream cheese with tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these enchiladas by adjusting spice levels, swapping chicken for another protein, or making it vegetarian – perfect for satisfying different preferences.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this crowd-pleasing recipe with minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, flavorful filling wrapped in soft tortillas, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Key Ingredients in Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds smoothness to the enchilada filling and sauce.
• Chicken: A tender protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the enchiladas.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the delicious filling and create the classic enchilada shape.

• Chicken Broth, Green Chiles: A flavorful liquid base that adds depth and mild heat to the enchilada sauce.
• Butter, Flour: Essential components that create a roux to thicken the sauce and provide a silky texture.

• Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cheese: A melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden-brown crust.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, herbal garnish to the finished enchiladas.

How to Make Cream Cheese Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Enchilada Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded chicken
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Roll the Enchiladas

Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla. Carefully roll the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Craft the Green Chile Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Diced green chiles
• Remaining cream cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Dress the Enchiladas

Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. For an extra golden top, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas!

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Enchiladas

• Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version that maintains the authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Choose rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and richer taste in your enchilada filling.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder to suit individual heat preferences.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Cream Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty cream cheese enchiladas deliver a Mexican-inspired culinary adventure packed with rich, tangy flavors and creamy textures. Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet elegant dish that promises to delight your taste buds with every savory bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Tortillas and Sauce Base:

• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chiles

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced jalapenos, chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Craft the filling by combining shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half the cheese blend, tangy lime essence, and optional chili powder. Enhance with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Warm tortillas slightly to increase flexibility, then generously spoon the mixture along the center of each, creating compact rolls.
4. Carefully position the rolled enchiladas in the prepared dish, arranging them seam-side downward to prevent unraveling.
5. Construct the velvety green chile sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour until golden and fragrant for approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, diced green chiles, and remaining cream cheese into the roux, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
7. Lavishly drench the enchiladas with the verdant sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a tempting melted layer.
9. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and cheese bubbles.
10. Optional: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a perfectly caramelized cheese surface.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to settle.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for black beans or tofu to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and packed with protein.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing creamy texture and flavor.
• Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate for a quick weeknight meal that saves precious cooking time.
• Freeze unbaked enchiladas wrapped tightly for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prepping and enjoying later with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 356 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg