Jalapeño Chicken Enchiladas with Cheese Recipe
Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious twist on classic enchiladas, featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with spicy jalapeños and creamy cheeses, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection with enchilada sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
Other
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Nonstick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken cool slightly.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooled enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands to create bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, spicy filling.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Lay out each large flour tortilla and spoon an even amount of the filling mixture onto the center. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the enchiladas hot. Optional toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro can add extra flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Consider adding fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes as a garnish when serving.
- Chicken breasts can be poached or baked as an alternative cooking method if preferred.
