Creamy Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Effortless Family Dinners Recipe
Creamy Queso Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for effortless family dinners. This recipe combines shredded chicken with a creamy cheese filling seasoned with taco spices and green chilies, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked under a rich Velveeta queso sauce. The result is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas 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
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
For the Shell
- 8 Tortillas (gluten-free tortillas available for gluten avoidance)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the enchiladas.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies. Mix well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Melt the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the Velveeta cheese together with the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Lay each tortilla flat, then scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture onto the center. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling.
- Arrange in Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish, and place the rolled enchiladas seam side down in the dish, fitting them snugly but without overlapping excessively.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Pour the warm queso sauce evenly over the enchiladas, making sure they are well covered. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- For a healthier alternative, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
- To add heat, include diced jalapeños instead of green chilies in the filling.
- Gluten-free tortillas can be used to make this recipe suitable for gluten avoidance.
Keywords: chicken enchiladas, queso chicken enchiladas, creamy chicken enchiladas, baked enchiladas, Mexican casserole, family dinner recipes
