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Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas – Spicy, Gooey & Flavor-Packed

Spice up dinner with these Jalapeño Popper Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas! Tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños are rolled into tortillas and baked to perfection for a gooey, flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, these enchiladas are easy to make and packed with bold, irresistible flavor. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro for a restaurant-quality dish at home!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Mexican
Servings 6 (2 enchiladas per serving)
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 or 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or poached)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2–3 jalapeños, diced (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Optional: crumbled bacon, sliced green onions

Enchiladas:

  • 8–10 soft tortillas (flour or corn)
  • 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • Additional shredded cheese for topping

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream, sliced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease baking dish.
  • Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheeses, diced jalapeños, and seasonings. Fold in shredded chicken and optional bacon or green onions.
  • Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  • Add Sauce & Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over rolled tortillas. Sprinkle additional cheese on top.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20–25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5–10 minutes to brown cheese.
  • Serve: Garnish with optional sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or lime wedges.

Notes

  • Avoid Soggy Tortillas: Lightly warm or toast tortillas before filling.
  • Adjust Spice: Reduce jalapeños for mild heat or add serranos/hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
  • Cheese Variations: Add pepper jack, queso fresco, or smoked gouda for flavor twists.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers 3–4 days; freeze uncooked enchiladas up to 2 months.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
Keyword baked enchiladas, cheesy chicken enchiladas, Comfort Food, Jalapeño popper enchiladas, spicy chicken, weeknight dinner