Queso Chicken Enchiladas
Queso Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft corn tortillas and smothered in a rich, creamy queso cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe combines authentic Mexican spices with smooth queso and fresh garnishes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Queso Sauce
- 2 cups queso cheese, shredded or chopped for melting
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Enchiladas
- 10–12 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts by boiling or baking until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks. Season the shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to infuse authentic Mexican flavors.
- Make the Queso Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the queso cheese. Gradually stir in sour cream, diced green chilies, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Warm the corn tortillas until soft and pliable. Lay each tortilla flat, spoon a generous amount of seasoned shredded chicken down the center, then roll tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the queso sauce evenly over the enchiladas to coat them thoroughly.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the enchiladas for about 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly golden. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add a bright fresh flavor.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure easier handling.
- Use freshly shredded queso cheese for a creamier and smoother sauce.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to avoid breaking during baking.
- Let enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up and blend flavors.
- Customize the queso sauce thickness by adding a splash of milk or cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: queso chicken enchiladas, cheesy chicken enchiladas, Mexican comfort food, baked enchiladas, queso sauce enchiladas