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If you crave comfort food that wraps creamy cheesy deliciousness in every bite these Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce are just the answer Tender shredded chicken with bold spices is nestled in soft tortillas then blanketed in a tangy homemade sour cream sauce and bubbling golden cheese Every forkful is rich and satisfying making this a go to for family dinners or cozy weekends
The first time I made these for a Sunday dinner my family polished off the entire dish and asked for it again the next week Now it is a regular feature on our table especially on chilly nights
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast shredded: Packed with protein and flavor Rotisserie chicken makes prep simple and keeps the chicken juicy For best quality choose organic chicken when possible
- Flour tortillas: Soft and perfect for rolling These are less likely to break than corn tortillas Warm them first for easy handling
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey melt Freshly grated cheese creates a smooth top without clumping
- Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a buttery melt and helps balance the cheddar Look for blocks and shred at home for best results
- Chopped onion: Builds the base flavor in the filling Choose onions that are firm with shiny skins
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps soften the onions Choose extra virgin for the most flavor
- Cumin and chili powder: These spices bring warmth and a hint of earthiness Use fresh spices for the boldest taste
- Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors Taste as you go to avoid over seasoning
- Sour cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce Use full fat for the richest result
- Heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce making it indulgent Fresh cream creates the smoothest texture
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone to the sauce Homemade or low sodium broth is best
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Provides aromatic and smoky notes Spanish paprika gives the deepest flavor
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick if you want some heat Use sparingly or skip if you prefer mild
- Salsa and fresh cilantro: Salsa adds brightness and acidity Fresh cilantro lifts the final dish Choose salsa with minimal additives
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium Once hot add chopped onion and cook gently for three to four minutes until translucent Stir in shredded chicken cumin chili powder salt and pepper Let this cook two to three more minutes stirring often so the flavors blend together into a fragrant filling
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray This ensures no sticking and easy cleanup
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Lay a tortilla on the counter Spoon chicken mixture down the center Sprinkle on a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese Roll up the tortilla snugly and place seam side down in the prepared dish Continue until all tortillas are filled and lined up in the pan
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Combine sour cream heavy cream chicken broth garlic powder smoked paprika and cayenne if using in a saucepan Place over medium heat Whisk constantly while bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer Let it cook five to seven minutes until thickened to a pourable consistency Taste and add salt as needed
- Bake the Enchiladas:
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas in the baking dish Make sure each tortilla gets generously coated Sprinkle over any extra cheese Bake uncovered for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is melted bubbly and golden
- Garnish and Serve:
- Spoon a little salsa over the hot cheesy enchiladas Add fresh cilantro on top if you like for a burst of color and freshness Serve right away and savor the creamy cheesy layers
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My favorite part is the creamy sauce It is so luscious and tangy With a scoop of salsa on top each bite reminds me of big family dinners where everyone goes back for seconds My kids love helping roll the tortillas and always sneak samples of the cheese
Storage Tips
Let the enchiladas cool fully before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap Store in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage freeze the baked enchiladas in an airtight container up to two months To serve thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the chicken for cooked turkey or even black beans if you want a vegetarian twist Blend of cheeses can be altered try pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor Corn tortillas work if you prefer or need gluten free Just be sure to warm them so they are pliable
Serving Suggestions
Pair these enchiladas with a crisp side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal A side of guacamole or sliced avocado adds freshness Top with extra salsa or a squeeze of lime juice for a punchy finish Set out bowls of extra toppings so everyone can build their own perfect bite
Cultural Context
Enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican cuisine where they are often filled with everything from beans to beef and crowned with a variety of sauces The creamy sauce here is a comfort food spin often loved in Tex Mex style dishes It blends American dairy richness with traditional flavors making it a family friendly fusion everyone will want again
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken breast provides great flavor and texture. Make sure it's well seasoned for best results.
- → Can flour tortillas be substituted?
Corn tortillas can also be used if you prefer a more traditional touch. Warm them briefly to prevent cracking.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the creamy sauce simmer a bit longer, whisking often, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- → What cheeses are recommended?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts well and adds robust flavor. Freshly grated cheese is best.
- → Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, assemble the enchiladas and freeze before baking. Thaw and bake when ready for a quick meal.
- → How do I keep tortillas from tearing?
Gently warm the tortillas before rolling to make them pliable and easier to handle.