Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

These indulgent queso chicken enchiladas are a perfect quick weeknight dinner that combines creamy cheese and tender chicken with a hint of spice. Easy to assemble and baked to bubbly perfection, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Three rolled tortillas filled with light brown shredded chicken are arranged side by side on a white plate. A creamy melted white cheese sauce covers the tortillas, flowing slightly onto the plate, with some browned spots on the edges of the tortillas. On top, there is a pile of diced red tomatoes mixed with small bits of green cilantro, which is also sprinkled lightly over the cheese sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade for milder taste)
  • 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack)
  • 1 can chopped green chilies (omit for milder option or use jalapeños)
  • 16 oz cubed Velveeta (consider reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
  • 8 pieces tortillas (choose corn, flour, or whole-wheat)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Melt the cubed Velveeta cheese along with the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Spoon ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up burrito-style.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  6. Step 6: Pour the melted queso cheese sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the enchiladas are hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken mixture.
  • Swap out Velveeta for a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese for a homemade queso sauce.
  • Use mild or hot salsa instead of diced tomatoes with green chilies to adjust the spice level.
  • Top with sliced avocado, fresh tomatoes, or chopped green onions before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. These enchiladas can also be frozen; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows three rolled tortillas filled with a textured, light brown filling, lying side by side on a white square plate. They are covered with a smooth, melted, creamy white cheese sauce that drapes over the edges of the tortillas. On top in the center, there is a pile of finely diced red tomatoes mixed with small green herb pieces, adding fresh color. Additional green herbs are lightly sprinkled over the cheese sauce, creating a contrast against the smooth creaminess. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even shredded rotisserie chicken all work well in this recipe.

Print
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Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas offer a creamy, cheesy twist on classic enchiladas, combining shredded chicken with a rich queso sauce for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 3 cups Shredded Chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning (or homemade for milder taste)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative)
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack)
  • 1 can Chopped Green Chilies (omit for milder option or use jalapeños)

Queso Sauce

  • 16 oz Cubed Velveeta (consider reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option)
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)

Others

  • 8 pieces Tortillas (choose corn, flour, or whole-wheat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the enchiladas.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  3. Melt Queso Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the cubed Velveeta cheese together with the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir frequently until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up burrito-style.
  5. Arrange in Dish: Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, arranging them snugly in a single layer.
  6. Pour Queso Sauce: Evenly pour the melted queso sauce over the arranged enchiladas, making sure each is well covered.
  7. Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Notes

  • For a healthier alternative, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat Velveeta.
  • Adjust the spice level by omitting the green chilies or substituting jalapeños for more heat.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking the chicken yourself.
  • Whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used to suit dietary preferences.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: queso chicken enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, cheesy enchiladas, quick Mexican dinner, rotisserie chicken recipe

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