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CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

Dive into Creamy Bliss: The Ultimate Chicken Enchilada Recipe

CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

Craving a dish that's both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas! Tender, shredded chicken is enveloped in a creamy sauce made with melty cheese and tangy sour cream. The enchiladas are then smothered in a luxurious white enchilada sauce before being baked to golden perfection. This recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your enchilada cravings and leave you wanting more.

What is an Enchilada?

An enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn or flour tortilla filled with various ingredients, rolled up, and covered in a sauce. They are then baked until the filling is heated through and the sauce is bubbly. This recipe features a creamy chicken filling and a delightful white enchilada sauce, creating a truly decadent experience.

Ingredients:

  • The Soft and Pillowy Wrappers:
    • 10 small soft flour tortillas - Soft flour tortillas provide a slightly thicker and more pliable base compared to corn tortillas, making them easier to roll and less prone to tearing.
  • The Savory Chicken Filling:
    • 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken - Shredded cooked chicken forms the base of the flavorful filling. You can use leftover roast chicken, poached chicken, or even shredded chicken breasts cooked specifically for this recipe.
    • 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated - Monterey Jack cheese offers a mild and creamy flavor that melts beautifully, creating a delicious filling.
  • The Creamy and Tangy Sauce:
    • 3 tablespoons butter - Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
    • 3 tablespoons flour - Flour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
    • 2 cups chicken broth - Chicken broth adds depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
    • 1 cup sour cream - Sour cream adds a delightful tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
    • 4 ounces diced green chiles (medium) - Diced green chiles add a pop of color and a mild green chile flavor to the sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing milder or hotter green chiles.
  • The Finishing Touch:
    • Remaining Monterey Jack cheese, grated - The remaining grated cheese is used for sprinkling on top of the enchiladas before baking, creating a beautiful golden brown crust.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the enchiladas bake evenly and the filling is heated through.
  2. Preparing the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of the grated Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.
  3. Assembling the Enchiladas: Lay out a clean work surface and place one tortilla at a time in front of you. Spread a generous portion of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly, enclosing the filling.
  4. Preparing the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the filled enchiladas seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Creating the Luxurious Sauce: In a separate pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
  6. Adding the Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Finishing the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the sour cream and diced green chiles. Be careful not to overheat the mixture after adding the sour cream, as it can curdle.
  8. Pouring and Topping: Pour the prepared white enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled-up enchiladas in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas, creating a cheesy covering.
  9. Baking to Perfection: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes. This allows the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt.
  10. Golden Brown Bliss (Optional): For an extra touch of indulgence, broil the enchiladas for 2-3 minutes after baking. This creates a beautiful golden brown and slightly crispy cheese topping.
  11. Serve and Savor! Carefully remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas and savor the explosion of flavor in every bite!

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