Easy Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: A Simple Dinner Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious weeknight meal that the whole family loves, easy creamy chicken enchiladas are your answer! With rich flavors, creamy textures, and an undeniable comfort food appeal, this dish has earned its spot in many American kitchens. Featuring tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in creamy sauce and topped with melty cheese, these enchiladas are not only a delight to eat but also a breeze to make. Let’s dive right in and learn how to make these tasty treats!
The Popularity of Enchiladas
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply satisfying a weeknight hunger, enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser. Their versatility means they can be adapted to suit various occasions. These easy creamy chicken enchiladas, in particular, are a hit during game nights or family gatherings. Not to mention, they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can impress your guests and elevate your home dining experience.
Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering cream chicken enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- ¼ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional)
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s jump into the steps for this best creamy chicken enchilada recipe!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure your enchiladas bake evenly and become wonderfully bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, chopped onion, diced chiles, broth, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated. This creamy filling is what makes these enchiladas so irresistibly good!
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Take a tortilla and scoop about ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat this process until you’ve filled all the tortillas.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Pour any remaining filling over the rolled enchiladas, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your home will smell divine!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Top with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm. These enchiladas are perfect with a side of rice or a fresh salad.
Tips and Variations
- Swaps and Additions: You can easily make this a vegetarian option by substituting the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a kick!
- Make It Ahead: These enchiladas also freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish and cover tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to cook, let thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
This easy creamy chicken enchiladas recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Packed with flavors and requiring minimal effort, who wouldn’t want to whip these up? Try it, and let us know how it turned out! Happy cooking!