Jalapeno Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas: A Taste Sensation
If you’re looking to increase website traffic with mouthwatering recipes, you’re in the right place. This Jalapeno Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas recipe brings a delightful twist to traditional Mexican cuisine, marrying the creamy goodness of cream cheese with the spicy kick of jalapenos. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that erupts with flavor and is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Yield: A Hearty Serving for All
Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 1 hr 15 mins | Total: 1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 7 | Yield: 7 hearty servings
Ingredients: The Essence of Flavor
- Chicken breasts – 3 skinless, boneless halves
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, minced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced (wear gloves)
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 (28 ounce) can green enchilada sauce
- 7 flour tortillas
- 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Instructions: Creating Your Masterpiece
Prepping and Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the onion and jalapenos until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes. Shred the chicken in the skillet.
Mixing It Up
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese. Cook and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Stir in the additional garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and cumin until well-blended.
Assembling the Enchiladas
- Pour some of the green enchilada sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish to coat the bottom.
- Fill each flour tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the tortillas, then sprinkle with the Monterey Jack cheese.
Baking for Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Healthier Cooking Option (Optional)
For a healthier twist, consider using baked chicken instead of pan-cooking to reduce oil usage. You could also try using low-fat cream cheese or whole wheat tortillas to enhance the nutritional profile without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
This Jalapeno Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas recipe is quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear! Above all, it’s bursting with flavors that turn an ordinary dinner into a fiesta. Whether for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, these enchiladas are sure to impress all your guests, and they will certainly request seconds!
Try this recipe today and share your experience. Your feedback not only helps us refine our recipes but also inspires others to explore their culinary adventures.