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Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time? Recipe

Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time? Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish combining tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, and fiery jalapeños wrapped in tortillas, topped with a luscious sour cream-based sauce and baked to golden perfection. This comforting, flavorful meal offers a perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness for enchilada lovers seeking a unique twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Enchiladas:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for added heat)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to ensure easy removal of enchiladas after baking. Gather and prep all ingredients before starting for smooth workflow.
  2. Make Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken until evenly distributed throughout the cheesy mixture.
  3. Assemble Enchiladas: Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable and easier to roll. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to prevent unrolling during baking.
  4. Prepare Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chicken broth, all-purpose flour, and chili powder if using. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and is smooth.
  5. Top Enchiladas: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the arranged enchiladas in the baking dish, making sure they are fully coated. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness and a golden crust.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
  7. Serve: Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for added freshness and flavor. Complement the dish with sides such as rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

  • Use high-quality aged cheddar cheese for better melt and richer flavor.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity or substitute with serrano peppers for more heat.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese, cheddar alternatives, and sour cream substitutes; ensure tortillas are gluten-free if necessary.
  • Lightly toast tortillas before assembling for added texture and crunch.
  • Toast spices briefly in a dry skillet before mixing into filling for deeper flavor.
  • Chill filling if too soft to make rolling easier and maintain shape.
  • Store components separately in the refrigerator if preparing ahead; assemble just before baking for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper enchiladas, cheesy chicken enchiladas, spicy chicken enchiladas, creamy enchiladas, baked enchiladas, jalapeño chicken recipe

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