Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe

Introduction

Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas make a perfect quick weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and flavorful. Packed with creamy cheese, seasoned chicken, and a touch of spice, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings in no time.

Three rolled tortillas filled with brown shredded chicken sit side by side on a white square plate. They are covered with a smooth layer of melted white cheese sauce that drips down the sides, blending slightly with a light orange sauce underneath. On top of the cheese, there is a small pile of red diced tomatoes mixed with small green chopped herbs, sprinkled over the dish, adding bright colors. The edges of the tortillas show a slight toasted brown texture, and the plate rests 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 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 cheese together with the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, stirring until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Spoon ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll 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 mixture evenly over the enchiladas.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the enchiladas are hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Tips & Variations

  • For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat Velveeta or cheddar cheese.
  • Try adding black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for extra texture and flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, include fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the filling.
  • Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or flour tortillas for a softer texture.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Three rolled tortillas filled with a light brown chicken mixture are tightly placed side by side on a white square plate. The tortillas are covered completely with a thick layer of melted white cheese sauce that drips slightly onto the plate. On top of the cheese sauce, there is a pile of finely chopped bright red tomatoes mixed with fresh green cilantro leaves, which are also sprinkled lightly over the cheese. 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 prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just add the queso topping and bake right before serving.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cheeses and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives and choose a plant-based cheese that melts well. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Print
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Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas for Quick Weeknight Dinners Recipe


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

Description

This Indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, combining shredded chicken with creamy melted Velveeta cheese and flavorful spices. Wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is both comforting and satisfying with a deliciously cheesy and mildly spicy filling.


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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies until well combined, forming a creamy and flavorful filling.
  3. Melt Queso Sauce: Place the cubed Velveeta and undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, creating a rich queso sauce.
  4. Fill Tortillas: Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up burrito-style, ensuring the filling is well enclosed.
  5. Arrange in Casserole Dish: Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, fitting them snugly side by side.
  6. Pour Queso Sauce: Evenly pour the melted queso sauce over the arranged enchiladas, coating them completely.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden and slightly crispy.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken helps save prep time and adds great flavor.
  • For a milder dish, omit the green chilies or use mild versions; for more heat, add jalapeños.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content.
  • Choose your preferred tortillas (corn, flour, or whole wheat) based on dietary preferences.
  • Leftovers keep 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-American

Keywords: chicken enchiladas, queso enchiladas, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken recipe, baked enchiladas

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