Go Back

High Protein Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy chicken enchiladas with jalapeño popper flavors featuring cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and melted cheddar for a satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 565

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large chicken breasts
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion chopped
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 7 oz can green chilies
  • 1-2 tbsp diced pickled jalapeños
  • 1 tbsp brine from jalapeño jar
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 8 oz Colby jack cheese shredded
  • 8 burrito size tortillas
  • 1 28 oz can enchilada sauce
  • 8 oz cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • chopped cilantro, sour cream, or diced tomatoes optional garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Hand mixer or two forks
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Boil chicken breasts in water with bouillon cube for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Remove chicken and shred using a hand mixer on low speed or two forks. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, taco seasoning, green chilies, diced jalapeños, and jalapeño brine.
  4. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are golden and fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until fully melted and smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Colby jack cheese, and the cream cheese sauce mixture. Mix until chicken is evenly coated.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  8. Spoon 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared dish.
  9. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, covering them completely.
  10. Sprinkle freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  13. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, or diced tomatoes if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Make-Ahead: Assemble completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Can also freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
Substitutions: Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep (3-4 cups shredded). Try pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Replace cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt for lighter version.
Serving: Pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, and fresh salad.