Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Taco Night

Comfort meets culinary magic in these irresistible creamy chicken enchiladas that will transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Tender shredded chicken nestles between soft tortillas, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures and tastes.

Melted cheese blankets each enchilada, promising a delightful experience with every single bite.

The rich, velvety sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic Mexican-inspired dish.

Perfectly balanced spices dance through the filling, ensuring each enchilada delivers maximum satisfaction.

Fresh ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both homemade and extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an unforgettable feast.

Why Chicken Avocado Enchiladas Are So Tasty

  • Whip up a delicious meal in no time with this simple, straightforward recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner.
  • Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make these enchiladas perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Pack rich flavors of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese into a single dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Combine protein-packed chicken with nutrient-rich avocados for a balanced meal that offers both incredible taste and wholesome goodness in every bite.

Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Enchiladas

Variations on Sausage Traybake
Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that forms the hearty base of the enchiladas.
  • Avocados: Creamy, rich fruit that provides both filling and sauce with a smooth texture.
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the enchilada filling and create the classic rolled shape.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Chicken Broth: Smooth, tangy base that creates a rich and creamy sauce consistency.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that adds fresh flavor and balances the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the sauce.
Garnish and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that provides a golden, bubbly surface when baked.

Equipment List for Chicken Enchilada Prep

  • Blender: Perfect for creating that silky smooth avocado sauce in seconds.
  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing chicken and avocado filling with fresh herbs.
  • Baking Dish: Greased and ready to hold your rolled enchiladas.
  • Cheese Grater: For shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing avocados, cilantro, and green onions.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps get ingredient proportions just right.
  • Baking Spatula: Great for spreading sauce and serving enchiladas.

Cooking Creamy Chicken Avocado Enchiladas

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Tasty Chicken Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss together:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Diced avocados
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Chopped green onions

Mix everything until ingredients are beautifully combined.

Step 3: Roll Those Enchiladas

Spread the chicken mixture onto tortillas, rolling them tightly like cozy blankets.

Nestle each enchilada seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Blend Dreamy Avocado Sauce

Toss these ingredients into a blender:
  • Ripe avocados
  • Sour cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until silky smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Dress and Cheese Up

Pour the luscious avocado sauce over the enchiladas, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Garnish and Devour

Scatter extra cilantro and green onions on top.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Key Tips for Creamy Enchiladas Every Time

  • Shred chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator to cut down on day-of cooking time.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for dietary needs without compromising flavor.
  • Add diced fresh tomatoes or jalapeños on top for extra crunch and brightness.
  • If sauce seems too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth for smoother pouring.
  • These enchiladas freeze beautifully – wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months for quick future meals.

Enchilada Variations with a Twist

  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted bell peppers, and corn for a hearty plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and cayenne to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips for a lighter, carb-reduced meal.

Serving Chicken Avocado Enchiladas Creatively

How to Make Quick Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach & Artichokes
  • Zesty Fiesta Plating: Serve these enchiladas on a colorful ceramic plate with a bright lime wedge on the side for an extra tangy squeeze.
  • Fresh Side Companions: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy enchiladas and add nutritional variety.
  • Cool Contrasting Topping: Sprinkle fresh diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream on top to create visual appeal and provide refreshing texture contrast.
  • Spice Level Boost: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat with their meal.

Keeping Avocado Enchiladas Fresh

Tips for Perfect Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach & Artichokes
  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

How to Store and Reheat Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach & Artichokes
  • Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the filling.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want extra heat.

  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the enchiladas gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables to the chicken mixture to increase nutritional value.

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Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican Creamy Chicken Enchiladas bring comfort and flavor to dinner tables with authentic southwestern charm. Tender chicken, melted cheese, and rich sauce create a memorable meal that welcomes family and friends to the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Fresh Produce:

  • 4 ripe avocados (2 diced, 2 for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lime juice

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a hot and ready cooking environment for the enchiladas.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the tender shredded chicken with creamy diced avocados, aromatic cilantro, and finely chopped green onions.
  3. Carefully distribute the chicken-avocado mixture evenly across the tortillas, rolling them tightly and positioning them seam-side down in a well-greased baking dish.
  4. Create the luxurious avocado sauce by blending ripe avocados, tangy sour cream, rich chicken broth, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, and seasoning until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
  5. Generously drench the assembled enchiladas with the creamy avocado sauce, ensuring complete coverage before sprinkling a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
  6. Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling surface.
  7. Once removed from the oven, garnish with additional fresh cilantro and green onions to enhance visual appeal and provide a burst of fresh flavor before serving piping hot.

Notes

  • Swap tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Reduce cheese amount or use dairy-free alternatives for lower-calorie or vegan versions of the enchiladas.
  • Enhance protein content by adding black beans or quinoa to the chicken mixture for extra nutritional value.
  • Prepare chicken filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights, saving preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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