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A baking dish filled with golden chicken enchiladas smothered in creamy queso sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro.

Queso Chicken Enchiladas Recipe – Creamy Tex-Mex Enchiladas with Queso Sauce & Melted Cheese

These Queso Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food—rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. Tender shredded chicken is wrapped in soft tortillas, then baked in a luscious queso sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe is hearty yet simple to make. Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American / Comfort Food, Tex Mex
Servings 6 (12 enchiladas)
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
  • 12 flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup extra cheese for topping
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chicken: Season shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and cumin.
  • Make Queso Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese and green chilies. Simmer until creamy.
  • Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly to make them pliable.
  • Assemble Enchiladas: Fill each tortilla with chicken and a spoonful of queso sauce. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
  • Top with Sauce: Pour remaining queso sauce evenly over enchiladas. Sprinkle with extra cheese.
  • Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  • Serve: Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Notes

  • Tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer; corn tortillas add authentic flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Cheddar for sharpness, Monterey Jack for creaminess, queso fresco for mild topping.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble enchiladas ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Tip: Cover with foil for the first half of baking to keep enchiladas moist.
Keyword cheesy chicken enchiladas, creamy enchiladas, family mealfamily meal, queso chicken enchiladas, Tex-Mex dinner