Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal, these Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect choice! Tender shredded chicken, wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, and baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
With a balance of melty cheese, seasoned chicken, and a flavorful sauce, these enchiladas will become a go-to recipe in your home!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy & Quick – Uses simple ingredients and takes under 45 minutes to make.
✔️ Super Creamy & Cheesy – A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a rich sauce makes these extra indulgent.
✔️ Family Favorite – Loved by both kids and adults.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra toppings to make it your own.
-Ingredients
For the Filling:
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess, optional)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Assembling:
8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Optional Toppings:
Fresh cilantro
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Sliced avocado
Sour cream
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in ½ cup sour cream for extra creaminess (optional).
3. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Stir in sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder.
5. Add Monterey Jack cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay out a flour tortilla and spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken filling onto the center.
4. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Add the Sauce & Cheese
1. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and add your favorite toppings.
Serve warm with rice, beans, or a side salad.
-Serving Suggestions
With Mexican Rice – A flavorful side that pairs perfectly.
With a Fresh Salad – Lighten up the meal with a crisp salad.
️ With Guacamole & Salsa – Add extra flavor with dips.
With Sliced Avocado – A creamy, refreshing contrast.
-Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent melting properly.
Warm the tortillas before rolling – This prevents them from tearing and makes rolling easier.
Make it spicy – Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the filling.
Double the sauce – If you love extra sauce, double the recipe for an ultra-creamy dish.
-Variations & Flavor Twists
1. Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Swap out the cheese sauce for a green enchilada sauce.
Add diced green chilies for extra flavor.
2. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Mix the chicken with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
Use blue cheese crumbles instead of Monterey Jack.
3. BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
Replace the sour cream with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Use smoked cheddar cheese for deeper flavor.
4. Low-Carb/Keto Chicken Enchiladas
Use low-carb tortillas or thinly sliced zucchini instead of flour tortillas.
Skip the flour in the sauce and use heavy cream instead.
-Storage & Reheating Tips
❄️ Store leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later – Assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas give a more traditional texture but can be fragile, so warm them before rolling.
3. What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco gives the best balance of flavor and meltiness.
4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
-Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are easy, delicious, and loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love!