11 Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipes

I still remember the aroma of my abuela’s kitchen on Sundays, where the sizzle of tortillas meeting hot oil mingled with the sharp tang of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack over shredded chicken. Those cheesy chicken enchiladas were the highlight of family gatherings—a gooey, comforting embrace that brought everyone to the table, no matter how rowdy the cousins got. It’s those childhood memories that fuel my passion for recreating and reinventing this Tex-Mex classic.

Lately, I’ve been on a cheesy chicken enchilada binge in my own kitchen, experimenting with everything from spicy green chiles to creamy white sauces during late-night recipe tests. In a world that’s always rushing, these recipes remind me why home-cooked meals matter: they’re customizable, crowd-pleasing, and packed with protein to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, these 11 variations prove enchiladas are endlessly versatile.

Classic Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Start with 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack blend, 10 corn tortillas, 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce, 1 onion diced, garlic, cumin, and salt. Sauté onion and garlic, mix with chicken and half the cheese, roll into warmed tortillas, place in a greased baking dish, top with remaining sauce and cheese, then bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly.

These timeless enchiladas deliver gooey comfort with balanced flavors—high in protein from chicken and calcium from cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners. They’re beginner-friendly and freezer-friendly for meal prep.

Spicy Jalapeño Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Gather 2 cups shredded chicken, 2.5 cups pepper jack cheese, 10 flour tortillas, 1 can red enchilada sauce spiked with 3 chopped jalapeños, sour cream, chili powder, and lime. Mix chicken with jalapeños, cheese, and spices; roll in tortillas; cover with sauce and extra cheese; bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

The heat from jalapeños wakes up your taste buds while cheese mellows the spice—boosts metabolism with peppers and provides satisfying protein for spice lovers seeking a fiery twist on tradition.

Green Chile Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients include 2 cups chicken, 2 cups queso fresco and cheddar mix, 12 corn tortillas, 2 cans green enchilada sauce, 1 cup roasted Hatch chiles, cilantro, oregano, and garlic powder. Combine chicken, chiles, and half the cheese; fill tortillas; top with sauce and cheese; bake 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

This New Mexico-inspired dish offers bright, earthy flavors rich in vitamins from chiles—light yet cheesy, ideal for those wanting a healthier, veggie-packed enchilada without sacrificing indulgence.

Creamy White Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Use 2 cups shredded chicken, 3 cups mozzarella and cream cheese blend, 10 tortillas, 2 cups sour cream-based white sauce (with chicken broth, green onions), cumin, and black pepper. Mix filling with cream cheese; roll up; pour sauce over; bake at 350°F for 28 minutes until golden.

Creamy and mild, these provide a luxurious texture with probiotics from sour cream—great for kids or mild palates, offering comfort food that’s easier on the stomach than tomato-based sauces.

BBQ Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Combine 2 cups BBQ-sauced shredded chicken, 2 cups sharp cheddar, 10 flour tortillas, extra BBQ sauce mixed with enchilada sauce, onion, and smoked paprika. Fill and roll tortillas; top with sauce-cheese mix; bake 375°F for 25 minutes.

Sweet-smoky BBQ elevates the cheese pull—high-protein fusion that’s uniquely American, perfect for game days with antioxidants from onions for a guilt-free guilty pleasure.

Buffalo Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients: 2 cups buffalo-sauced chicken, 2.5 cups blue cheese crumbles and cheddar, 10 tortillas, buffalo ranch sauce (Frank’s + ranch dressing), celery seeds. Mix filling; assemble; bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, broil for crisp.

This game-changing mashup delivers wing-like heat with cooling cheese—supports bone health with calcium and is a low-carb swap for takeout, ideal for bold flavor fans.

Mexican Street Corn Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Mix 2 cups chicken, 2 cups cotija and Oaxaca cheese, 10 tortillas, elote sauce (crema, mayo, lime, tajín, corn kernels), chili powder. Add charred corn to filling; roll; top with sauce-cheese; bake 375°F for 22 minutes.

Inspired by elote, these burst with sweet-savory corn goodness—packed with fiber and vitamins, a festive upgrade that’s Instagram-worthy and vegetarian-adaptable.

Poblano Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Features 2 cups chicken, 2 cups queso blanco, 12 tortillas, roasted poblano cream sauce (poblanos, heavy cream, garlic), epazote. Blend poblanos into sauce; fill with chicken-cheese; bake 350°F for 30 minutes.

Smoky poblanos add depth without overwhelming heat—rich in vitamins A and C, these are elegant for date nights or a sophisticated family meal.

Four-Cheese Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Blend 2 cups chicken with 1 cup each cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and ricotta; 10 tortillas; red enchilada sauce. Layer filling generously; top with all cheeses; bake 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

Ultimate cheese lovers’ dream with layered flavors—maximizes calcium intake for strong bones, a decadent yet simple crowd-pleaser for parties.

Enchilada Suizas Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Use 2 cups chicken, 2.5 cups Swiss and mozzarella, 10 corn tortillas, tomatillo cream sauce (tomatillos, cream, serranos), cilantro. Dip tortillas in sauce; fill with chicken-cheese; bake 350°F for 28 minutes.

Swiss-style tang meets Mexican creaminess—probiotic-rich and lighter on spice, excellent for brunch with a boost of immune-supporting tomatillos.

Loaded Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Load 2 cups chicken with 2 cups mixed cheeses, 10 tortillas, enchilada sauce, toppings like black beans, olives, tomatoes, avocado post-bake. Assemble base; bake 375°F for 25 minutes; load toppings.

Fully customizable and hearty—beans add fiber for gut health, turning basic enchiladas into a nutrition-packed feast everyone can personalize.

These 11 cheesy chicken enchilada recipes are your ticket to endless Tex-Mex nights—grab your apron, pick your favorite (or try them all), and get that cheese melting for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!