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Queso Chicken Enchiladas

Queso chicken enchiladas baked in a dish with creamy homemade queso sauce and melted cheese

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Tender shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses rolled into corn tortillas and smothered in a rich, creamy homemade queso sauce. Baked to bubbly golden perfection, this cheesy comfort food dinner comes together in 45 minutes total.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 810 corn tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded white American cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded from a block
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and softened. Do not let it brown.
  4. Stir in diced green chiles and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded white American cheese and cream cheese in small additions, whisking constantly after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Do not let it boil.
  6. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds until pliable.
  7. Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  8. Pour queso sauce evenly over enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until sauce is bubbling at the edges and cheese is melted and just golden. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapenos if desired.

Notes

  • Always warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and tearing.
  • Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, creamiest queso sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • For a spicier version, swap in pepper jack cheese or add a dash of hot sauce to the queso.
  • Freeze assembled (unbaked) enchiladas for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375 degrees F, adding 15-20 minutes to bake time.

Nutrition