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Close up rolled chicken enchiladas with creamy chipotle sauce
Isaac blogger

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken and baked in a smoky chipotle cream sauce with melted cheese. Rich, flavorful, and oven-baked until bubbly, this comforting dinner is easy to make and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories:

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Filling
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chipotle Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 –3 teaspoons finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
  • ½ cup red enchilada sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cheese
  • Assembly
  • 10 tortillas
  • cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients. Use fully cooked chicken that has previously reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before assembling.
  3. Prepare the Filling
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, diced onion, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and steaming. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce
  6. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and lightly golden.
  7. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking continuously.
  8. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and enchilada sauce. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Do not allow the mixture to boil after adding dairy.
  9. Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  10. Assemble the Enchiladas
  11. Warm tortillas slightly until flexible to prevent cracking.
  12. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  13. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
  14. Bake
  15. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  16. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through in the center.
  17. Rest and Serve
  18. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Add chipotle gradually to control heat level.
  • Avoid boiling after adding dairy to keep sauce smooth.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; store airtight up to 3 days.
  • Reheat covered until hot throughout before serving.