Queso Chicken Enchiladas

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen at 5:37 p.m., wondering how dinner snuck up on you again, these Queso Chicken Enchiladas are about to feel like a small miracle. Creamy, cheesy, cozy, and just a little indulgent—in the best way—this is the kind of dinner that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”

This recipe is especially perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those evenings when you want comfort food without spending hours cooking. Queso Chicken Enchiladas check all the boxes: simple ingredients, forgiving steps, and flavors that feel like a warm hug after a long day. And yes, they’re kid-approved, spouse-approved, and leftover-approved (arguably even better the next day).

Let’s get into why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Queso Chicken Enchiladas

Let’s be honest—life is busy. Some nights you need dinner to work with you, not against you. These Queso Chicken Enchiladas were made for real life.

Here’s why readers keep coming back to this recipe:

  • Quick comfort: Simple steps and familiar ingredients mean less stress.
  • Creamy without fuss: No complicated sauces. Just melt, mix, and pour.
  • Family-friendly: Mild, cheesy, and customizable for picky eaters.
  • Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
  • Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for potlucks or casual get-togethers.

It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t demand perfection. If your enchiladas aren’t rolled like a magazine cover? No one will notice once the queso hits the top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into these cozy, cheesy enchiladas. Nothing fancy—just pantry and fridge staples doing their thing.

  • 5 burrito-size flour tortillas
  • 2 ½ cups shredded chicken
    (Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here.)
  • ½ packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green chilies
  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
  • 1 pound queso blanco Velveeta, cubed

That’s it. No hard-to-pronounce ingredients. No special grocery trip required.

How to Make Queso Chicken Enchiladas (Step by Step)

This recipe is broken down into easy, no-pressure steps. You don’t need to rush, and you don’t need fancy tools—just a mixing bowl, a saucepan, and a little faith in cheese.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and add:

  • Shredded chicken
  • Taco seasoning
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green chilies

Stir everything together until it’s fully combined. The mixture should look creamy and well-coated, not dry. Set it aside while you work on the queso.

This is usually the moment my kids start hovering, asking if they can “just taste a little.”

Step 2: Melt the Queso

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add:

  • Cubed queso blanco Velveeta
  • Undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies

Stir occasionally as the cheese melts. Take your time here—once it’s smooth and pourable, you’re golden. Lower the heat if needed to keep it from sticking.

Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point. That’s how you know dinner is going to be good.

Step 3: Fill the Tortillas

Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla.

Spread it slightly, then roll it up like a burrito. No need to be precise—this isn’t a geometry test. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Step 4: Arrange in the Casserole Dish

Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13 casserole dish, snugly side by side. It’s okay if they’re cozy—enchiladas like to stick together.

Step 5: Add the Queso Topping

Now for the magic moment.

Pour the warm queso evenly over the enchiladas, making sure to cover them generously. Don’t skimp. This is Queso Chicken Enchiladas, after all.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly around the edges.

Serve hot, preferably with people you like—and maybe a nap planned afterward.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Queso Chicken Enchiladas

A few small tips can make this recipe even easier:

  • Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds flavor.
  • Warm tortillas slightly: A quick microwave zap helps prevent tearing.
  • Like heat? Add jalapeños or extra green chilies.
  • Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe—it disappears fast.
  • Sauce too thick? A splash of milk will loosen it right up.

And remember: if your queso looks a little messy before baking, don’t panic. Once it’s hot and bubbly, everything comes together beautifully.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

These Queso Chicken Enchiladas became a staple in my house during one of those weeks where everything felt busy at once—school events, work deadlines, and a fridge that looked suspiciously empty.

I needed something comforting but simple. I threw this together with leftover chicken, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. Not only did everyone clean their plates, but I heard the words every home cook loves: “Can we have this again?”

That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Queso Chicken Enchiladas baked until golden, topped with melted queso, fresh pico de gallo, and herbs, served with Mexican rice on a white platter
Golden and bubbly Queso Chicken Enchiladas smothered in creamy queso, finished with fresh pico de gallo, and served with classic Mexican rice.

FAQs About Queso Chicken Enchiladas

Can I make Queso Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can, but flour tortillas hold up better with the creamy queso sauce. If using corn tortillas, warm them well to prevent cracking.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights

These Queso Chicken Enchiladas are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re forgiving, flexible, and full of flavor, making them ideal for weeknights when energy is low but expectations are high.

This is the kind of recipe that meets you where you are—whether you’re cooking after work, feeding a family, or just craving something warm and cheesy. From my kitchen at Chicken Magic Recipes to yours, I hope these enchiladas bring a little extra comfort to your table.

Because some nights, all you really need is chicken, queso, and the promise of leftovers tomorrow.

Keep the Comfort Food Party Going

If you loved these Queso Chicken Enchiladas, don’t let the cozy vibes stop here. Think of this as your “what should I make next?” cheat sheet—because once one cheesy dinner wins the family over, it’s only fair to have a few more up your sleeve:

Whether you’re planning the rest of the week or just saving ideas for later, these recipes keep the same warm, cheesy, family-approved energy going—because good dinners shouldn’t be one-and-done.

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Queso Chicken Enchiladas topped with melted queso, fresh pico de gallo, and herbs, served with Mexican rice and creamy sauce on a white plate

Queso Chicken Enchiladas


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 enchiladas (about 45 servings) 1x

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, these Queso Chicken Enchiladas are stuffed with seasoned shredded chicken and baked under a blanket of melty queso. An easy, family-favorite dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 burrito-size flour tortillas

  • 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken

  • ½ packet taco seasoning

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green chilies

  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)

  • 1 pound queso blanco Velveeta, cubed


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chopped green chilies until well combined.

  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the queso blanco Velveeta with the undrained diced tomatoes, stirring until smooth.

  4. Lay tortillas flat and fill each with ½–¾ cup of the chicken mixture. Roll tightly.

  5. Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

  6. Pour the warm queso evenly over the enchiladas.

  7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.

  8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

Warm tortillas briefly to prevent tearing.

Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like extra heat.

Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1120 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

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