Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious twist on the classic Mexican dish, combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with the spicy kick of jalapeños. This recipe is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (wear gloves to avoid irritation)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (28 ounce) can green enchilada sauce
- 7 flour tortillas
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breast halves with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear, which should take about 7-10 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In the same skillet, add the minced onion and jalapeño peppers. Sauté them in the remaining butter until the onions are translucent and the jalapeños have softened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and is well combined with the onions and jalapeños.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet and stir in 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, spiced mixture.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour about ½ cup of the green enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Take each flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle some of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese
- Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top, making sure all the tortillas are well covered.
- Sprinkle the rest of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
5. Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy.
6. Serve
- Once the enchiladas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the jalapeños. Conversely, for extra heat, you can add more jalapeños or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet. This will help it melt smoothly and combine easily with the other ingredients.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for this recipe because they are soft and pliable, making them easy to roll. However, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional enchilada, but you might need to warm them slightly to prevent cracking.
Variations:
- Protein Swap: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp.
- Cheese Options: Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar, Colby-Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian twist on this classic dish.
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cream cheese creates a filling that is both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Serve them with a side of rice and beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
