Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pillows

by

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pillows

Soft tortilla parcels filled with creamy chicken, baked in enchilada sauce and melted cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Yield: 8 pillows

📝 Ingredients

  • 8 small flour tortillas

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken both work)

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided
    (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)

  • 1 can (10 oz / 300 g) enchilada sauce (red or green)

  • 1 can (4 oz / 115 g) diced green chilies, drained

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional toppings for serving:
Fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced green onions

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Shredded chicken

  • Softened cream cheese

  • Diced green chilies

  • 1 cup shredded cheese

  • Garlic powder

  • Cumin

  • Salt and pepper

Mix until smooth and evenly blended.

2️⃣ Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9 × 13 inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish.
Pour ¼ cup enchilada sauce into the bottom and spread it out to coat the base.
This prevents sticking and adds flavor.

3️⃣ Assemble the Pillows

Place one tortilla flat on a work surface.
Spoon a generous amount of filling into the center.

Fold:

  • Left side inward

  • Right side inward

  • Then fold top and bottom over the filling

This forms a sealed square “pillow.”

4️⃣ Arrange in Dish

Place each pillow seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Arrange them snugly so they stay closed during baking.

5️⃣ Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over all pillows.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese over the top.

6️⃣ Bake

Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until:

  • Cheese is fully melted

  • Sauce is bubbling

  • Tops are lightly golden

Optional: For deeper browning, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

7️⃣ Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Top as desired with cilantro, sour cream, or avocado.

🧊 Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven or microwave until heated through.

Leave a Comment