Three Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy three cheese chicken enchiladas feature tender chicken, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and a flavorful salsa topping, making them a comforting and crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups light sour cream ⓘ
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked and cubed or shredded chicken ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded low-fat Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 3 cups chunky salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Place tortillas on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add salt, cumin, pepper, cooked chicken, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Place 1/2 cup of the mixture in the center of each warmed tortilla.
- Fold two edges of the tortilla to overlap in the center, sealing the filling inside.
- Place the filled tortillas, seam side down, in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Pour chunky salsa over the baked enchiladas and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the salsa.
- Return to the oven and bake for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices like chili powder or smoked paprika in your filling. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute for cooked chicken. You can also swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. If you prefer a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these enchiladas with a side of Mexi-Veg Rice Salad for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or guacamole also pairs well. For extra creaminess, consider topping with additional sour cream or avocado slices. These enchiladas are perfect for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the tortillas and cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Chicken Enchiladas contains roughly 485 calories, with 23g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% 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 make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn. They will provide a softer texture and may be easier to roll. However, keep in mind that flour tortillas may alter the traditional flavor slightly. You can also use gluten-free tortillas if you need a gluten-free option.
How can I customize the filling?
Feel free to customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also replace the chicken with shredded beef or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. This recipe is versatile and can accommodate a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.
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).