Introduction to Creamy Chicken Enchilada
There’s that warm, hearty meal that does magic and makes you feel at home with a favorite blanket. When I mentally consider the busy days full of chores and kids activities having something savory like my Creamy Chicken Enchilada all feels very enriching to taste and surely indulging. Whether you want something quick for dinner or something special to wow your loved ones, this dish does it all. Creamy cheese and seasonings make for happy marriage and kiddos would love to have a taste of this recipe every week!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Enchilada
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada is a dreamy blend of flavors and textures that come together in no time at all. It’s perfect for busy nights when you just want something delicious without the fuss. You’ll adore how easy it is to make, while the rich, creamy sauce will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s adaptable, so you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Your family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchilada
Gathering the perfect ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Creamy Chicken Enchilada, you’ll need a colorful array of vibrant vegetables, protein, and spices to create that rich, mouthwatering flavor.
- Olive oil: This healthy fat adds richness and helps sauté your vegetables to perfection.
- Onion: A small, diced onion gives a sweet base flavor that enhances the dish.
- Red bell pepper: The sweetness and crunch of a diced red bell pepper bring brightness to the plate.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; it’s a superstar ingredient!
- Ground cumin: This spice adds warmth and a touch of earthiness to the dish.
- Chili powder: A must-have for that classic Southwestern flavor; it gives the enchiladas a bit of a kick.
- Smoked paprika: This smoky addition layers in depth, making your taste buds come alive.
- Dried oregano: An herb that enhances the savory element in this creamy concoction.
- Chicken broth: A flavorful base that brings everything together beautifully.
- Red enchilada sauce: This canned sauce is a time-saver and the heart of your enchiladas!
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These add a touch of smokiness and a pop of color.
- Diced green chiles: For a mild heat and added flavor, these little green gems make a difference.
- Black beans: Rich in protein, these beans provide a hearty texture and nutritional value.
- Corn: Whether frozen or canned, corn adds a sweet crunch and brightens the dish.
- Cooked shredded chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken here for convenience and flavor.
- Cream cheese: This creamy base ensures lusciousness—you’ll love the velvety texture it creates!
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: For that extra creaminess, this will make the dish a true delight.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Choose your favorite cheese for that gooey, melty top layer.
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and jalapeños offer delightful finishing touches.
Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; you’ll find those at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada
Creating your own Creamy Chicken Enchilada is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a fragrant dish simmering on your stovetop. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften up beautifully.
Next, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for about 30 seconds until your kitchen fills with those marvelous aromas. Trust me, this initial step sets a savory foundation!
Step 2: Add the Broth and Sauces
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and red enchilada sauce. Toss in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and diced green chiles as well.
Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let those flavors mingle! It’s amazing how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary.
Step 3: Mix in the Chicken and Beans
After letting it simmer for a few minutes, add in the star players—black beans, corn, and your carefully shredded chicken.
Allow the pot to simmer again for about 10 minutes. This not only heats everything but also helps the flavors blend beautifully, just like a choir singing in harmony!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce the heat to low. Carefully whisk in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until you get a lovely, creamy consistency. The magic here is watching everything melt together into a luscious sauce.
Add the shredded cheese of your choice, stirring continuously until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This is where your Creamy Chicken Enchilada earns its name!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
It’s time to taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve your Creamy Chicken Enchilada hot in bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
Feel free to add crushed tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch! With each spoonful, you’ll see why this dish is such a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Success
- Prepare ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking; it makes everything smoother.
- For extra creaminess, reduce the heat when adding cream cheese; avoid boiling.
- Try using homemade enchilada sauce for a personal touch; it’s worth it!
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a quick meal later—perfect for busy weeks!
- Don’t hesitate to season to your preference; each palate is unique!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking; a large saucepan can work too.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring; a spatula is an excellent alternative!
- Whisk: Essential for blending cream; a fork can do in a pinch.
- Can opener: Needed for the canned ingredients; a multi-tool nutcracker works as well.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to infuse that extra heat you crave.
- Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free: Always check your labels for gluten-free enchilada sauce and tortillas to keep it celiac-friendly.
- Low-Carb: Skip the corn and beans and serve over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Creamy Chicken Enchilada with a fresh green salad for a delightful crunch.
- Serve alongside homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for a classic touch.
- Wrap it in warm tortillas for a fun, hand-held meal.
- Top with additional shredded cheese and fresh lime juice for added zest.
FAQs about Creamy Chicken Enchilada
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Creamy Chicken Enchilada?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Rotisserie chicken adds a depth of flavor and saves you time on prep. Just shred it, and you’re good to go!
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepping this Creamy Chicken Enchilada a day in advance is a fantastic idea! Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese. Both still give you that creamy texture, just with a different flavor profile!
Is this Creamy Chicken Enchilada spicy?
It’s mild, but you can control the heat. If you enjoy spice, add diced jalapeños during cooking or top with a bit of hot sauce before serving. Your taste buds will thank you!
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields about six generous servings. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead!
Final Thoughts
Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore, especially when you have a crowd-pleaser like Creamy Chicken Enchilada in your repertoire. Each bite offers a comforting hug, filled with layers of flavor and warmth that gather family around the table. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special gathering, this dish is versatile and easy to make, satisfying the hearts and bellies of all who savor it. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the kitchen chaos, and revel in the joy of serving something truly special. Your family will be grateful—and maybe even request it weekly!
Print
Creamy Chicken Enchilada
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Chicken Enchilada is a rich and flavorful dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a medley of spices and vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce, canned
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned
- 4 ounces diced green chiles, canned
- 15 ounces black beans, canned, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups frozen or canned corn, drained
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Canned or fresh jalapeños or chilies (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, red enchilada sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Stir thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate black beans, corn, and shredded chicken into the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, promoting flavor integration.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in softened cream cheese and heavy cream until the soup attains a creamy consistency. Add shredded cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and integrated.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with preferred toppings such as cilantro, avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and jalapeños as desired.
Notes
- For added spice, consider including jalapeños during cooking.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated just before serving.
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
