Zesty Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling with flavor, these chicken and goat cheese enchiladas bring a delightful twist to traditional Mexican cuisine.

The creamy goat cheese adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the tender, seasoned chicken.

Rolled in soft tortillas and smothered in a vibrant sauce, each bite promises a mouthwatering experience.

The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a harmony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same with this irresistible dish.

Hearty, comforting, and bursting with authentic flavors, these enchiladas are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Get ready to impress and satisfy your hunger with this delectable meal that brings the spirit of Mexican cooking right to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that brings hearty flavor and substance to the enchiladas. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easiest preparation and consistent texture.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds luxurious richness and distinctive taste. Select fresh, soft goat cheese for smooth spreading.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep, savory foundation. Pick firm, fragrant onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum flavor impact.
• Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous herb that brings fresh, zesty notes. Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Jalapeños: Spicy pepper providing subtle heat and complexity. Choose firm, glossy peppers for optimal kick.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano: Robust spice blend creating authentic southwestern profile. Opt for fresh, high-quality ground spices for most intense flavor.

• Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrap for rolling enchiladas. Select fresh, medium-sized flour tortillas that won't crack when folded.
• Enchilada Sauce: Rich, tomato-based coating that adds moisture and traditional taste. Pick jarred sauce or prepare homemade for deeper flavor.
• Grated Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, crispy surface. Use sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for best results.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy finishing touch. Choose full-fat version for richest texture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates all flavors. Use kosher or sea salt for most nuanced taste.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that keeps filling moist and infuses additional savory depth. Select low-sodium version for controlled seasoning.
• Tomato Sauce: Foundational liquid that adds moisture and slight sweetness. Pick high-quality canned sauce for consistent results.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal from baking dish. Use neutral-flavored variant.

Tools Checklist for Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas

• Baking Pan (13-by-9-inch): Perfect for creating enchilada magic, this rectangular dish will hold all your delicious rolls.
• Non-Stick Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic without sticking, ensuring smooth cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the enchiladas, keeping moisture in and preventing excessive browning.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to shred cheese for that irresistible melty topping.
• Work Surface: Clean area for rolling tortillas and assembling enchiladas.
• Cooking Spray: Lightly coats the baking pan to prevent sticking.
• Spatula or Spoon: Use for stirring and mixing chicken mixture in skillet.

Steps for Preparing Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas

• Kitchen Prep

Get all your cooking tools ready and clear your workspace. Warm up your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your enchiladas.

• Flavor Foundation

In a sizzling skillet, dance some onions and garlic until they soften and release their magical aroma. Pour in your tangy tomato sauce and savory chicken broth, then introduce tender chicken pieces with a sprinkle of herbs and spices. Let this mixture simmer and mingle until it thickens slightly.

• Enchilada Assembly

Grab your soft tortillas and spread a creamy stripe of goat cheese down the center. Spoon your rich chicken mixture along the cheese, then roll each tortilla into a delightful little package. Nestle these rolls snugly in your baking dish.

• Cheese and Bake

Drench your enchiladas in zesty sauce and shower them with grated cheese. Cover with foil and let the oven work its magic, transforming these rolls into a bubbling, cheesy delight. For extra golden cheese spots, peek under the foil in the last few minutes.

• Serving Celebration

Pull out your masterpiece and garnish with fresh cilantro and a playful dollop of sour cream. Invite friends and family to dive into this flavor-packed feast.

Extra Tips & Substitutions for Enchiladas

• Adjust jalapeño quantity to match your spice tolerance – remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra for fiery excitement.
• Replace goat cheese with cream cheese, ricotta, or queso fresco for different creamy textures and flavor profiles.
• Substitute chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian alternative that keeps the dish exciting.
• Make homemade enchilada sauce by blending roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers for a deeper, more complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Presentation Tips for Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Fresh lime wedges and sliced avocado add bright, creamy contrast to the enchiladas' rich flavors.
• Southwest Sidekick: Mexican-style rice or black beans create a perfect balanced meal that complements the enchiladas' spicy profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: A crisp margarita or ice-cold Mexican beer cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Garnish Celebration: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a zesty salsa verde to elevate the presentation and add layers of fresh, tangy flavor.

Storing & Reheating Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas

• Refrigerator Storage Solutions: Keep leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The goat cheese and chicken filling maintains its delicious flavor when sealed tightly.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen enchiladas stay tasty for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and melty cheese. Microwave works in a pinch, but might slightly soften the tortilla texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken mixture and assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for a stress-free dinner solution.

Cheesy Chicken & Goat Cheese Enchiladas

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling chicken & goat cheese enchiladas bring Mexican culinary magic to dinner tables with rich, creamy flavors. Delicate tortillas wrapped around tender chicken create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 oz (255 g) cooked shredded chicken
• 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup (4 oz or 113 g) soft goat cheese
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup chopped)
• ½ cup canned tomato sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, drained and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• sour cream, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Flavor Infusion: Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, shredded chicken, cilantro, jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Simmer until sauce thickens and flavors intensify.
3. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
4. Enchilada Assembly: Spread goat cheese down the center of each tortilla, creating a creamy base for the filling.
5. Rolling Technique: Spoon chicken mixture over cheese, then carefully roll tortillas into compact cylinders, positioning seam-side down in the prepared baking pan.
6. Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour enchilada sauce generously over rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle grated cheese across the top for a golden, melted finish.
7. Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake until cheese melts and filling becomes thoroughly heated. Remove foil during final minutes to achieve a crispy, golden-brown cheese crust.
8. Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, adding a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy enchiladas.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Tip: Choose a soft, creamy goat cheese that melts easily and complements the spicy chicken filling for a rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Sauce Intensity Control: Adjust jalapeño and chili powder quantities to match your personal heat preference, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable spice level.
• Tortilla Warming Hack: Briefly warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for smoother rolling.
• Baking Precision: Cover with foil initially to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover for the last few minutes to achieve a perfectly golden-brown top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 65mg