Chicken Enchiladas in Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Chicken Enchiladas in Creamy Chipotle Sauce is a bold and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a smoky, spicy, and velvety chipotle cream sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and smoky heat. The chipotle sauce adds depth and complexity, while the shredded chicken keeps the filling juicy and flavorful. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, these enchiladas are always a hit.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Flour or corn tortillas

For the chipotle cream sauce:

• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Heavy cream
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely chopped
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil or butter
• Lime juice
• Salt and pepper

For topping:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Sliced jalapeños or avocado (optional)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until soft. Add chipotle peppers and cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Simmer until thickened slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.
4. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper.
5. Spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
6. Pour the chipotle cream sauce over the enchiladas and top with more shredded cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

• Use pulled pork or ground beef instead of chicken
• Make it vegetarian by substituting beans and roasted vegetables
• Add black beans or corn to the chicken filling for added texture
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version
• Make it spicier by adding extra chipotle or jalapeños to the sauce

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. Enchiladas can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time. Just shred and mix with the filling ingredients.

How spicy is the chipotle cream sauce?
Moderately spicy. You can reduce or increase the amount of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are softer and roll easily, while corn tortillas offer more traditional flavor. Both can be used.

Can I use canned enchilada sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, but the homemade chipotle cream sauce adds richer flavor and a creamier texture.

What cheese melts best on top?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend work well for melting and flavor.

Can I freeze the enchiladas before baking?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.

Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas and ensuring all sauce ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What side dishes go well with these enchiladas?
Spanish rice, black beans, guacamole, or a simple green salad make great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Chicken Enchiladas in Creamy Chipotle Sauce is a rich, comforting, and boldly flavored dish that brings the best of Mexican cuisine to your table. With a smoky, creamy sauce and tender chicken filling, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Make it ahead, customize it easily, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal any night of the week.

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