Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with a Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Enchilada Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Crafting the perfect tender chicken tortillas brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Mexican-inspired recipes often spark joy in kitchens everywhere.

Soft flour tortillas cradle succulent chicken pieces waiting to be devoured.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket that makes every bite irresistible.

Home cooks appreciate simple meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Creamy sauce adds an unexpected twist that elevates this classic dish.

Hungry for a delicious meal that comes together quickly?

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate.

Common Questions About Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Soft flour tortillas are ideal because they’re pliable and won’t crack when rolling the chicken inside. They also absorb the cheese sauce beautifully.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack create a classic flavor, you can experiment with pepper jack for heat or swiss for a milder taste. Just ensure the cheeses melt smoothly.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is mild. If you want more kick, add diced green chiles, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken or cheese sauce. Customize the heat level to your preference.

Reasons to Love Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • Craft Comforting Meal: Perfect for family dinners, these cheesy chicken enchiladas deliver warmth and satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Speed Through Preparation: Quickly shred chicken, roll tortillas, and pour creamy sauce, creating a delicious dinner in under an hour without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Blend of melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream creates a rich, tangy sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable recipe allows easy ingredient swaps like different cheeses or protein, making it ideal for using pantry staples and accommodating various taste preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that provides the main filling for the tortillas.
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible flatbreads that wrap and hold the chicken filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, flavorful cheese that adds depth to the creamy sauce.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, melting cheese that contributes to the sauce's smoothness.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and enhances the sauce's savory flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish with simple, classic seasonings.

How to Make Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F, getting ready for some delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Prepare Succulent Chicken

Gently cook the chicken until it’s perfectly tender, then shred it into delightful strips using two forks.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter until golden and smooth. Sprinkle in flour and whisk until combined. Slowly pour chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a silky base. Add these ingredients:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic powder

Stir until everything melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble Delectable Enchiladas

Spread the shredded chicken inside soft tortillas, rolling them up snugly. Nestle these rolled beauties into a baking dish.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Generously pour the luscious cheese sauce over the tortilla rolls, ensuring every inch gets covered. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Helpful Tips for Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and easiest-to-shred meat.
  • Shred chicken while it's still warm to make the process smoother and faster.
  • Use room temperature sour cream to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy or separating.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat cheese with reduced-fat options and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Enhance flavor by adding diced green chiles or jalapeños to the chicken before rolling in tortillas for extra kick.

Delicious Twists on Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • Southwest Spicy Enchiladas: Replace garlic powder with chipotle powder, add diced green chiles to chicken, use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Roll-ups: Incorporate oregano, basil, and feta cheese, swap tortillas for thin lavash bread, drizzle with olive oil before baking.
  • Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: Mix roasted green chiles into chicken, use green enchilada sauce instead of cheese sauce, top with queso fresco.
  • Jalapeño Popper Chicken Wraps: Mix cream cheese with chopped jalapeños into chicken filling, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving, use a blend of cheddar and cream cheese for sauce.

Perfect Pairings for Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • Pairing Wine to Complement Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich cheese sauce and balance the dish's creamy texture.
  • Match Zesty Salsa on the Side: Prepare a fresh tomato-cilantro salsa with diced onions and jalapeños to add bright, tangy flavors that contrast the smooth, cheesy enchiladas and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Serve Cooling Cilantro-Lime Rice: Create a light, herbal rice side dish with chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice to cleanse the palate and complement the warm, cheesy chicken enchiladas with a bright, citrusy note.

Storing Tips for Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled enchiladas in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover enchiladas with foil to prevent burning.
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Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with a Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with a Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spicy chicken enchiladas bring Mexican culinary magic to dinner tables with irresistible flavor combinations. Melted cheese and zesty seasonings create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup butter

Tortillas and Other Ingredients:

  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare the chicken by cooking thoroughly, then shredding into fine, uniform pieces.
  2. Create a smooth roux in a saucepan by melting butter and blending in flour until golden and fragrant.
  3. Slowly introduce chicken broth to the roux, whisking continuously to develop a velvety, lump-free sauce that thickens gradually.
  4. Incorporate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and glossy.
  5. Blend sour cream and garlic powder into the cheese sauce, creating a rich, creamy mixture with robust flavor.
  6. Lay out tortillas and distribute shredded chicken evenly across the center of each one.
  7. Carefully roll the tortillas, tucking in the sides to prevent filling from escaping.
  8. Arrange the rolled tortillas snugly in a baking dish, seam-side down to maintain their shape.
  9. Generously drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and the sauce becomes bubbly.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked and shredded finely for optimal texture and easy rolling.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like sour cream and cheese to help them melt smoothly without lumps.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.
  • Consider adding diced green chiles or jalapeños to the chicken for an extra flavor kick and mild heat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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