South Of The Border Enchiladas

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

South of the Border Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken, green chiles, and melted cheese wrapped in tortillas, baked to perfection with a creamy, flavorful sauce—perfect for hearty gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 6 Tbsp. butter
  • 3 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 3/4 cup canned diced green chiles
  • 6 oz. cream cheese, diced
  • 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions for approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken, diced green chiles, and diced cream cheese.
  3. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the center of each flour tortilla.
  4. Roll up the tortillas and place seam side down in a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
  5. Pour heavy cream over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  6. Bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes, until the cream thickens and the cheese is melted.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken mixture. If you're out of cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. You can also use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option. To save time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well. For a twist, try adding black beans or corn to the filling.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas pair beautifully with a fresh side salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal. Consider serving them with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa on the side for added flavor. They can also be complemented by a refreshing Southwestern Chicken Salad or a simple avocado salad. Enjoy with a chilled beverage for a delightful dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the texture of the tortillas and cheese.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of South Of The Border Enchiladas contains roughly 2269 calories, with 29g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 175g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1860mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

2269 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29g 58% DV
Total Fat 175.5g 100% DV
Carbs 149.3g 54% DV
Fiber 9.1g 32% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1860mg 81% DV
Potassium 714.2mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 397.7mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 752.7mcg 84% DV
Vitamin C 5.7mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 2.6mcg 13% DV
Calcium 254.9mg 20% DV
Iron 6.9mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 prepare enchiladas in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil. When you're ready to cook, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?

If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can easily substitute it with cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend cheese. These will provide a similar melting quality and flavor that complements the enchiladas perfectly.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but do not bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

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).

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