When we made the sauce, we were quick to discover that this definitely needs to be the last step in order to insure that it stays smooth and fluid to pour over the enchiladas. It’s rich and creamy, just the way we like it, and those little green chiles and chicken broth add layers of even more flavor. Top that with a sprinkling of cheese that becomes brown and bubbly- it makes our mouths water all over again just thinking about it! This dish is truly a fiesta- a celebration of super fun flavors that can take you to a happy place any day of the week.
Cream Cheese Enchiladas
30-40 minutes to prepare serves 6-8
INGREDIENTS
8-10 flour tortillas
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature, divided [1/2 and 1/2]
1-2 (4 oz.) cans green chiles
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated, divided [1 cup; 1 cup]
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, garnish, optional
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cream cheese, chicken, 1 cup cheese, lime juice, cumin and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Take 1 tortilla and fill with 2-3 tablespoons chicken mixture, then place seam side down in baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Season with salt and pepper, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and green chiles. Stir in remaining 1/2 cream cheese and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Remove from heat and pour green chile sauce over enchiladas.
Top with remaining cheese.
Place baking dish in oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until cheese and filling are melted and bubbly.
Optional: broil for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Remove from oven and let it rest and set for 10-12 minutes
Garnish with fresh cilantro, optional
