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How to Make Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, and the result is a hearty, flavorful meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them using two forks.
- In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions (if using) and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. This adds extra flavor to the enchiladas, but you can skip this step if you prefer.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the diced green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If you want a little extra zing, add lime juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Once the sauce is ready, set it aside.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Begin by warming the flour tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a dry skillet for a few seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure to coat each enchilada generously.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
4. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes them easier to cut.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with your favorite sides, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Make It Spicy: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add some jalapeños to the chicken filling or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper in the creamy sauce.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a super quick and easy filling, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and ready to be shredded.
- Customize the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can make your own cream sauce or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version.
- Skip the Tortilla Rolling: If you’re short on time, you can layer the tortillas like a casserole instead of rolling them individually. Just tear the tortillas into pieces and layer them with the chicken filling and sauce—this creates a “bake and serve” version of enchiladas.
- Top with Extras: Garnish your enchiladas with your favorite toppings—avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, or shredded lettuce all make great additions.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce
There’s so much to love about Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce:
- Comforting & Satisfying: This dish is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and cheesy, with a little kick of spice from the green chilies and seasonings.
- Quick to Make: While enchiladas can sometimes feel like a complicated dish, this version is quick to assemble and bake, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, these cheesy enchiladas will be a hit with everyone. They’re hearty, flavorful, and filling.
- Customizable: From the protein (chicken, beef, or even veggies) to the toppings (sour cream, guacamole, or salsa), you can tailor this dish to your preferences.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce are the perfect way to bring a little Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table. With tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce, these enchiladas are guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a meal that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist!
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