Description
These Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a bold twist on a classic. Filled with seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and spicy jalapeños, these enchiladas are topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony. The result is a deliciously creamy and spicy dinner that’s perfect for any weeknight meal or gathering.
Ingredients
For the enchiladas:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
For the creamy sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and diced red bell pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Set aside. -
Prepare the creamy sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
Slowly add the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, cooking for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Assemble the enchiladas:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Lightly warm the tortillas in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side to make them more pliable.
Spread a small amount of the creamy sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Take each tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortillas up tightly and place them seam side down in the baking dish. -
Top with sauce and cheese:
Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the top of the enchiladas, covering them evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped green onions on top. -
Bake:
Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. -
Serve:
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For extra heat, you can leave some of the jalapeño seeds in the filling, or use a hotter variety of peppers.
- You can make the creamy sauce a day ahead to save time on assembly day.
- Swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option (though the texture may differ slightly).
- If you prefer a less spicy version, omit the jalapeños and substitute with diced bell peppers or mild green chilies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg