Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce 🌶️🍗
If you’re a fan of the bold, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors of jalapeño poppers but want to turn them into a comforting, cheesy enchilada dish, this recipe is for you! These Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken, gooey cream cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños in a buttery tortilla, all topped with a velvety ranch-inspired sauce and baked to perfection. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with Flavor : The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños delivers a jalapeño popper-inspired punch.
- Creamy Sauce : A rich, tangy sauce ties everything together.
- Easy to Customize : Swap cheeses, add heat, or mix in veggies for variety.
- One-Pot Meal : Bake everything in a single dish for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled works great)
- ½ cup cream cheese , softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4–6 jalapeños , diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 strips cooked bacon , crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8–10 flour tortillas (8-inch), warmed
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (for topping)
- Optional toppings : Chopped green onions, extra jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce 🌶️🍗
Step 1: Prep the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken , cream cheese , cheddar cheese , diced jalapeños , crumbled bacon , minced garlic , onion powder , smoked paprika , salt , and pepper . Mix until everything is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated in the cheesy, spicy mixture.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter . Whisk in the sour cream , mayonnaise , milk , garlic powder , dill , salt , and pepper . Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until warm and slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas in a microwave or skillet to make them pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolled.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a few tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the rolled enchiladas.
- Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese generously over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes .
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with crushed tortilla chips , chopped green onions , or extra crumbled bacon . Serve hot with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple garden salad.
Customization Ideas
- Spicy Kick : Leave jalapeño seeds in or add red pepper flakes.
- Herb Twist : Stir in fresh parsley, cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost : Add diced roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
- Goat Cheese Variation : Substitute half the cream cheese with goat cheese for tanginess.
- Crunchy Toppings : Crushed tortilla chips or corn flakes add texture.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Heat : Taste the jalapeños first—adjust the number of peppers or remove seeds for milder flavor.
- Thick Sauce : If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp milk and stir into the sauce before heating.
- Cheese Melting : Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting (pre-shredded can be chalky).
- Make Ahead : Assemble the enchiladas up to 1 hour ahead, then bake when ready.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories : 450
- Fat : 28g
- Carbs : 25g
- Protein : 28g
- Fiber : 2g
Conclusion
These Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a fusion of two classic comfort foods—jalapeño poppers and cheesy enchiladas. The creamy sauce, spicy kick, and gooey cheese make them perfect for satisfying cravings without the hassle of deep-frying.
So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let’s turn this into a flavor-packed meal! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cozying up at home, these enchiladas are sure to become a new favorite.
If you enjoy this recipe, try our other spicy and cheesy creations like Loaded Nacho Casserole or Buffalo Chicken Dip. Happy cooking! 🍴✨
