Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

These indulgent queso chicken enchiladas are perfect for quick weeknight dinners when you want something cheesy, comforting, and satisfying. With a creamy queso sauce and a flavorful chicken filling, this dish comes together easily and is sure to please the whole family.

Three rolled tortillas filled with a light brown, textured chicken mix are placed side by side on a white plate with slightly raised edges. The tortillas are covered with a thick layer of melted, creamy white cheese sauce that drips slightly onto the plate. On top of the melted cheese, there is a generous heap of small, diced bright red tomatoes mixed with finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh pop of color. The plate is set 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 together the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the Velveeta cubes with the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, stirring frequently until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Spoon ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly 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 sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the enchiladas are hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or sliced black olives to the filling.
  • Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more traditional taste.
  • To keep this dish lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and opt for reduced-fat Velveeta.
  • Omit the green chilies or use mild ones if you prefer a less spicy dish.

Storage

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot and bubbly.

How to Serve

Three rolled tortillas filled with a light brown meat mix are placed side by side on a white plate with melted white cheese covering them, dripping slightly over the edges. On top, there is a small pile of finely chopped red tomatoes mixed with green chopped herbs, which are also sprinkled over the cheese. The tortillas have some slight browning on their edges and the plate is set 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 cover them with the queso sauce, then refrigerate 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 freeze queso chicken enchiladas?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking, tightly wrapped in foil or a freezer-safe container, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if still cold.

Print
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Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe


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

Description

Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic Mexican favorite, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners. This recipe features tender shredded chicken mixed with taco seasoning and cheese, rolled in soft tortillas, and smothered in a velvety queso sauce baked to bubbly perfection.


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)

Assembly

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the enchiladas.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Melt the Queso Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the cubed Velveeta cheese along with the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken filling onto each tortilla. Roll them up burrito-style, making sure the filling is evenly contained.
  5. Assemble in Casserole Dish: Arrange the rolled tortillas seam side down in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, fitting them snugly to maximize the space.
  6. Pour Queso Sauce: Evenly pour the melted queso sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, coating them generously.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are hot, bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish as desired and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas!

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
  • Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream for a healthier twist.
  • For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or more green chilies.
  • Whole-wheat tortillas provide a fiber boost.
  • Reduced-fat Velveeta cheese can help lower fat content.
  • Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: chicken enchiladas, queso chicken enchiladas, cheesy chicken enchiladas, quick dinner, Mexican dinner, creamy enchiladas

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