Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Looking for a comforting and easy dinner idea that will have everyone running to the table? Look no further than this indulgent Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake. Tender shredded chicken meets creamy Velveeta queso with a hint of spice, all wrapped up snugly in flour tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is a surefire way to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces after a hectic day.

I discovered this Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake on a busy soccer night, and it quickly became a regular feature on our weeknight dinner menu. The magic happens when the Velveeta transforms into a molten blanket of gold over the enchiladas, creating a dish that is both comforting and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just a few hungry bellies, this recipe is a winner every time. So, why not treat your family to a taste of Tex-Mex comfort with this irresistible Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake tonight?

Quick Benefits

  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together fast and guarantees empty plates with minimal effort.
  • Family Favorite: A comforting and flavorful meal that pleases everyone, making it a great addition to your regular dinner rotation.
  • Make-ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and refrigerate, or even freeze for later, making it convenient for meal planning and leftovers.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with various substitutions for dietary preferences or what’s on hand in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal on the table fast.
  • Family Favorite: Guaranteed empty plates and happy faces with this dish that quickly becomes a regular dinner rotation.
  • Irresistible Cheesy Goodness: Watch the creamy Velveeta queso transform into a molten gold blanket over the enchiladas – a true crowd-pleaser.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish in advance and bake when ready to serve, or store leftovers for up to four days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to two months.
  • Versatile and Flexible: Substitute ingredients based on preferences or what’s on hand, such as using different meats, cheeses, or even vegetarian options.
  • Customizable Garnishes: Serve with a variety of fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce, diced avocado, lime, or classic sides like guacamole, pico de gallo, or rice for a personalized touch.
  • Tex Mex Twist: Enjoy a fusion of Tex Mex comfort and traditional rolled tortillas, combining the best of both worlds in one dish.
  • Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Save prep time and add extra flavor by using rotisserie chicken in the recipe.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and bake when convenient, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Enchilada Assembly

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green chilies
  • 120 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 240 millilitres sour cream
  • 625 grams shredded cooked chicken
  • 5 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 packet (approximately 15 grams) taco seasoning

Queso Sauce

  • 454 grams Queso Blanco Velveeta, cubed
  • 284 grams diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Pro Tips for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To make assembling these enchiladas even quicker, use rotisserie chicken as a flavorful and time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and incorporate it into the dish for an extra boost of taste.

Pro Tip 2: For a complete Tex Mex meal experience, serve these cheesy enchiladas with classic accompaniments like guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, or a fresh green salad. The combination of flavors and textures will elevate the dish and satisfy your craving for comfort food.

Pro Tip 3: If you want to plan ahead, assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. This time-saving tip allows you to have a delicious meal ready to pop in the oven whenever you’re ready to serve.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Filling

Combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped green chilies in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly mixed.

Step 2: Cook Queso Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt cubed Queso Blanco Velveeta cheese with undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Fill Tortillas

Lay out flour tortillas and divide 125–180 millilitres (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup) of chicken filling onto each. Roll up tightly to seal.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Arrange the filled and rolled tortillas in a casserole dish with the seam side facing down.

Step 5: Top with Queso Sauce

Evenly pour the warm queso sauce over the arranged enchiladas to fully coat them.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the dish is heated through.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying your delicious Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Once the dish has completely cooled, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The enchiladas will stay fresh for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy them for convenient, quick meals throughout the week. If you have more leftovers than you can consume in a few days, these enchiladas also freeze well.

To freeze the enchiladas, wrap individual portions tightly in foil and place them in a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen enchiladas, simply reheat them by baking in a covered dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them gently, adding a splash of extra queso on top for added creaminess. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your leftovers, you can easily enjoy the comforting flavors of these enchiladas with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Velveeta, Monterey Jack or a store-bought queso dip can be used as a substitute for a similar melty cheese effect. Rotisserie chicken can be a convenient and flavorful alternative to shredded cooked chicken. Alternatively, try pulled pork, cooked turkey, or roasted vegetables as filling options to suit different dietary preferences.

Greek yogurt can replace sour cream if needed for a lighter option with a similar tangy flavor. Corn tortillas can be swapped for flour tortillas, but be sure to warm them first to keep them pliable for rolling. When reheating leftovers, ensure to cover and warm thoroughly in the oven or microwave to maintain the dish’s creamy texture and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping the Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake with a dollop of creamy guacamole and a drizzle of zesty pico de gallo before serving. The fresh flavors will complement the cheesy and comforting dish perfectly, adding a burst of color and flavor to each bite. Additionally, consider serving the enchiladas alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a tangy lime vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the queso and chicken.

Another fun way to serve these enchiladas is to create a DIY enchilada bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of various toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese. Allow guests to customize their enchiladas with their favorite toppings before baking, making it a fun and interactive dining experience for everyone to enjoy!

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor while saving prep time.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with these enchiladas?

These are delicious with guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad.

Can I assemble the enchiladas in advance?

Yes, assemble everything and refrigerate up to a day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas can be used, but lightly warm them first to prevent cracking when rolling.

Conclusion

I hope this Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake recipe becomes a regular star at your dinner table, bringing smiles and empty plates every time. The creamy Velveeta queso, tender chicken, and hint of spice all wrapped up in a warm tortilla make for the perfect comfort food dish. Don’t forget to top it with your favorite garnishes like avocado, lettuce, or a squeeze of lime for that final touch of freshness.

Whether you’re making this dish for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, the cheesy goodness of these enchiladas will always be a hit. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your preferences and make it your own. So go ahead, whip up a batch of Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake and savor every delicious bite!

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Bake Recipe

Creamy Queso Chicken Enchiladas Bake: Tender chicken, Velveeta queso, and a hint of spice baked in tortillas for the ultimate Tex Mex comfort food.
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time25 Minutes
Total Time35 Minutes
CuisineMexican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Enchilada Assembly

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green chilies
  • 120 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 240 millilitres sour cream
  • 625 grams shredded cooked chicken
  • 5 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 packet (approximately 15 grams) taco seasoning

Queso Sauce

  • 454 grams Queso Blanco Velveeta, cubed
  • 284 grams diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Filling: Combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chopped green chilies in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Cook Queso Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt cubed Queso Blanco Velveeta cheese with undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, stirring until smooth.
  3. Fill Tortillas: Lay out flour tortillas and divide 125–180 millilitres (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup) of chicken filling onto each. Roll up tightly to seal.
  4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the filled and rolled tortillas in a casserole dish with the seam side facing down.
  5. Top with Queso Sauce: Evenly pour the warm queso sauce over the arranged enchiladas to fully coat them.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the dish is heated through.