Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
There’s something irresistibly cozy about dishes that bring warmth and cheer to the table, and my Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas do just that! Every bite is a delightful explosion of creamy, zesty goodness that wraps around tender chicken, all perfectly rolled up in a soft tortilla. This recipe not only evokes memories of family gatherings and laughter but also offers a comforting escape on a busy weeknight. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone clamoring for seconds, you’ll definitely want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: A luscious combination of cream cheese and cheddar that melts in your mouth.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these enchiladas come together in less than an hour.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The smoky flavor of turkey bacon combined with zesty jalapeños creates a flavor explosion that everyone will adore.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main dish or a festive appetizer, these enchiladas cater to any occasion!
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is kid-approved and makes for a fun, interactive cooking experience everyone can enjoy!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle additional cheese if desired.
- Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add some chopped fresh cilantro and extra diced jalapeños for an even spicier version.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken with black beans and add diced bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Creamy Salsa: Serve with a dollop of salsa or guacamole for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Zesty Twist: Mix in some corn and black olives for a zesty flavor combo that will surprise your taste buds!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and leave them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—perfect for a cozy Sunday prep!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have turkey bacon on hand, feel free to skip it altogether or use crumbled bacon alternatives for that same smoky flavor.
- Serving Size: These enchiladas are quite filling, so 2-3 is usually enough per person, especially when served with a side salad or some roasted veggies.
- Storage: For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the enchiladas in advance and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
How long does it last?
These enchiladas are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge.
Wrapping It Up
These Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful mix of creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of spice, perfect for any cozy dinner at home. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering with family and friends, this dish is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike. Save this recipe to your dinner inspiration board, so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Delicious enchiladas filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños, topped with enchilada sauce and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle additional cheese if desired.
- Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: enchiladas, cheesy, chicken, jalapeño, comfort food