Chicken Cream Cheese Enchiladas
Creamy chicken and cheese enchiladas featuring tender diced chicken, melted Monterey Jack, and a rich cream cheese filling, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop and sauté onions in margarine over moderate heat for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and add cooked, diced chicken, chopped pimento, and cubed cream cheese.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm the mixture over heat just to combine, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or spices like cumin and paprika to the chicken mixture. If you don’t have margarine, butter or olive oil can be used as a substitute. You can swap out Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these creamy enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness. They pair beautifully with Jane'S Chicken Flautas for a festive dinner spread, or serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover them with foil to prevent drying out and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cream Cheese Enchiladas contains roughly 823 calories, with 20g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2568mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to the dish. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe as directed. It's a perfect shortcut for busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, though the texture may be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute.
How can I make these enchiladas spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced green chilies or hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes in the filling for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).