Creamy Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Effortless Family Dinners Recipe
Creamy Queso Chicken Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken with a flavorful taco-seasoned filling, enveloped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a rich, cheesy Velveeta and diced tomato sauce. This casserole-style dish is baked to bubbly perfection, making it an effortless and comforting family dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 2 cups shredded chicken (substitute with shredded beef or turkey if desired)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist)
- 1 can chopped green chilies (diced jalapeños can be used for more heat)
For the Sauce
- 1 package Velveeta cheese (cream cheese can be used, though the flavor may differ)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce can work as alternatives)
For the Shell
- 8 tortillas (gluten-free tortillas available for gluten avoidance)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies until thoroughly mixed to create a flavorful filling.
- Make the queso sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the Velveeta cheese together with the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, stirring occasionally until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Lay each tortilla flat and scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture onto it. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Pour sauce over enchiladas: Evenly distribute the warm queso sauce over the arranged rolled enchiladas, ensuring each one is well-coated.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and bubbly on top.
Notes
- Substitute shredded beef or turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheeses add different flavor profiles; Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick.
- Adjust heat levels by using diced jalapeños instead of green chilies.
- Gluten-free tortillas can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Cream cheese can substitute Velveeta for a slightly different queso flavor.
- Ensure enchiladas are placed seam side down to prevent unrolling during baking.
Keywords: Creamy Queso Chicken Enchiladas, cheesy enchiladas, chicken enchiladas recipe, easy family dinner, baked enchiladas, Mexican casserole
