Zesty Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Jazzing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with these jalapeno popper cheesy chicken enchiladas that pack serious flavor punch.

Creamy, spicy goodness awaits in every single bite.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create a delightful combination that screams comfort food.

Crisp tortillas wrapped around a zesty filling promise an explosion of taste sensations.

Southwestern-inspired ingredients dance together in this mouthwatering dish that feels like a culinary celebration.

Comfort meets excitement on your plate with these irresistible enchiladas that you simply cannot resist trying tonight.

Prepare to experience a recipe that will become your new favorite dinner sensation.

Flavorful Variations on Jalapeno Popper Enchiladas

• Southwestern Spicy Ranch Enchiladas: Replace the creamy sauce with a zesty ranch dressing mixed with hot sauce, adding extra kick and tanginess to the classic recipe.
• Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: Swap jalapenos with roasted green chiles, incorporate pepper jack cheese for additional heat, and use green enchilada sauce for a vibrant flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Enchilada Boats: Substitute tortillas with roasted cauliflower halves, stuff with the original chicken mixture, and top with the creamy sauce for a healthier alternative.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Replace chicken with seasoned black beans, add roasted corn kernels, and maintain the original cheese and spice combination for a plant-based adaptation.

Pairings to Serve with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Enchiladas

• Zesty Mexican Beer Companion: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo with lime to cut through the rich, creamy enchiladas and complement the spicy jalapeño kick.
• Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice Sidekick: Prepare a light, bright cilantro lime rice that balances the heavy cheese and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the enchiladas' intense flavors.
• Cool Cucumber Salad Refresh: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with red onions and a light vinaigrette to add crunch and acidity, which helps neutralize the dish's heat and richness.

Storing Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.

Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining quality and flavor.

Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover enchiladas with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, restoring the original melty cheese texture.

FAQs

• What makes the jalapeno poppers flavor stand out in these enchiladas?

The cream cheese and diced jalapenos create a spicy, tangy filling that mimics classic jalapeno popper appetizers, giving these enchiladas a unique and bold flavor profile.

• How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos used. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. For more heat, keep the seeds or add extra jalapenos to the filling.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option that provides tender, pre-cooked meat perfect for these enchiladas. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the filling.

Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas You’ll Love

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold jalapeno flavors and creamy cheese, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken enchiladas into a mouthwatering fiesta of taste.
• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine ingredients quickly in one bowl, roll tortillas, and bake – perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious comfort food without complex steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Versatile dish works perfectly for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual potlucks where everyone craves cheesy, zesty Mexican-inspired cuisine.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer jalapenos, swap cheeses, or include additional toppings to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredded Chicken: The protein-packed base that provides a hearty and flavorful filling for the enchiladas.
• Tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps that hold the delicious chicken mixture and create the classic enchilada shape.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps bind the filling ingredients together.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that bring a classic, tangy flavor and gooey texture to the enchiladas.

• Jalapenos, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices and seasonings that add depth, heat, and complexity to the chicken filling.
• Enchilada Sauce, Sour Cream: Create a creamy, zesty sauce that covers and complements the enchiladas.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a crisp, mild onion flavor and adds a pop of color.

How to Prepare Jalapeno Popper Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Diced jalapenos
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until it’s perfectly blended and looking irresistible.

Step 3: Roll Those Enchiladas

Take a tortilla and spread a generous scoop of the chicken mixture right in the center.

Roll it up tightly like a cozy blanket, making sure the seam is facing down in the baking dish. Keep going until you’ve used up all your filling.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, blend the enchilada sauce and sour cream until it’s smooth and dreamy. This sauce is going to take your enchiladas to the next level.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the creamy sauce all over the rolled enchiladas, making sure every inch is covered. Sprinkle a beautiful layer of Monterey Jack cheese on top.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the enchiladas out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Scatter some chopped green onions on top for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Popper Chicken Enchiladas

• Adjust the number of jalapenos based on your heat tolerance. Remove seeds for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
• Assemble enchiladas a day before and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Substitute shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or vegetarian alternatives like black beans for dietary preferences.
• Whisk enchilada sauce and sour cream thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, creamy consistency.

Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy jalapeño popper cheesy chicken enchiladas bring Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables, melding creamy cheese and zesty peppers. Hearty flavors and rich textures invite you to savor each delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing southwestern classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Seasonings and Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup diced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish and heat the oven to 350F (175C), creating a warm environment for the enchiladas.
2. Blend shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, and spices in a mixing bowl until ingredients form a cohesive, flavorful filling.
3. Lay out tortillas and distribute the chicken mixture evenly across the center, rolling each tightly and positioning seam-side down in the greased baking dish.
4. Create a smooth, creamy sauce by whisking together enchilada sauce and sour cream until fully integrated.
5. Drench the rolled enchiladas with the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage, and generously top with Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese surface.
7. Once removed from the oven, allow the enchiladas to rest briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Adjust the jalapeno quantity based on your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gouda, or Mexican blend to customize the flavor profile.
• Prepare the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners easier.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version, or substitute corn tortillas for gluten-free option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 362 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg