Chicken Enchiladas Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes stand out like Chicken Enchiladas. They’re warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, making them a staple in many homes. But let’s face it – sometimes you don’t have the time to make everything from scratch. That’s where a recipe like Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup comes in. It offers a shortcut without compromising on taste, giving you that homey, comforting feeling with minimal effort. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

In this recipe, the creamy chicken soup adds richness, while the enchilada sauce gives that perfect tang and spice. Combine that with tender chicken, melty cheese, and warm tortillas, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll be a hit with everyone.

Chicken Enchiladas Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipe

This recipe is a simple yet flavorful twist on traditional chicken enchiladas. The creamy chicken soup brings a luscious texture to the dish, while the savory filling and cheesy topping will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a guaranteed win in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients Needed

To make these Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Cooked Chicken: 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) for that rich, creamy texture
• Enchilada Sauce: 1 can (about 10 oz) of red enchilada sauce for the classic spicy, tangy flavor
• Tortillas: 8-10 flour tortillas, depending on the size (corn tortillas can be used for a more authentic flavor)
• Shredded Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend works best)
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped for a subtle crunch and flavor
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced for that aromatic base
• Sour Cream: 1 cup, for a cool, creamy layer on top (optional but highly recommended)
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for garnish and a burst of fresh flavor
• Chopped Green Chilies: 1 can (4 oz) for extra flavor and a bit of heat (optional)
• Cumin and Chili Powder: 1 tsp each for a mild, smoky spiciness

Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to put all these delicious ingredients together:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your enchiladas bake evenly and come out bubbly and golden.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and green chilies (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. The cream of chicken soup will bind everything into a creamy filling.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay a tortilla flat on a surface and spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat this process until the dish is filled (around 8-10 tortillas depending on the size).
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once the tortillas are arranged, pour your enchilada sauce evenly over the top, making sure each tortilla gets covered. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish: After baking, let the enchiladas sit for about 5 minutes. Then, garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the key ingredients of this recipe can elevate your cooking experience. Let’s break down some of the most important ones:

• Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient serves as the heart of the creamy filling. It provides richness and smoothness that contrasts beautifully with the slightly spicy enchilada sauce. It also helps bind everything together, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
• Enchilada Sauce: Enchilada sauce can vary in heat level, so you can adjust it to your taste. The tomato-based sauce usually has garlic, onion, and chili powder, giving it that signature tangy and spicy flavor. You can even swap it out for green enchilada sauce if you prefer a milder, more herbaceous taste.
• Shredded Chicken: This is the protein that anchors the enchiladas. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken, which is not only a time-saver but also adds a nice, smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can cook your own chicken and shred it for more control over the seasoning.
• Cheese: The cheese you choose will dramatically impact the texture and taste of the dish. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is ideal because it melts beautifully and offers both sharpness and creaminess. However, feel free to get creative with your choice based on personal preference.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help make your Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup even more delicious:

• Make it Spicy: If you like your enchiladas with a little extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also opt for a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce: If you have a bit more time, consider making your own enchilada sauce. Homemade versions allow you to customize the flavors and heat levels to your exact liking.
• Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: Be careful not to overstuff your tortillas with too much filling. This can make them difficult to roll and may result in a messy bake. Just a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture should be enough.
• Crispier Tortillas: If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can lightly fry the tortillas in a small amount of oil before rolling them up. This adds texture and prevents them from getting too soggy during baking.
• Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as instructed. This is perfect for busy evenings or meal prepping!

Recipe Variations

This Chicken Enchiladas recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with beans (black beans or pinto beans work well) and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
• Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the chicken mixture for a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Cheese Lovers Enchiladas: If you’re all about cheese, add an extra layer of cheese between the tortillas and under the sauce for an extra cheesy bite.
• Green Chile Enchiladas: Instead of using red enchilada sauce, opt for a green chile enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile that’s tangy and earthy.

Final Words

This Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to create a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal fuss. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and spicy, while also being super easy to prepare. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied.