Craving the bold flavors of enchiladas but want something a little different? These Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups deliver all the zesty, cheesy goodness you love about traditional enchiladas in a fun, rolled format that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The tortillas get wonderfully crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, creating the perfect vessel for the savory chicken and cheese filling.
What makes these roll ups special is how they transform familiar enchilada ingredients into something that feels fresh and new. The presentation is impressive enough for guests, but the preparation is straightforward enough for busy weeknights when you need a reliable dinner win that the whole family will devour.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for weeknight cooking
- Crispy exterior with a creamy, flavorful filling that satisfies every bite
- Easily customizable with your favorite enchilada fillings and toppings
- Great for meal prep – they reheat beautifully for lunches throughout the week
- Kid-friendly format that makes dinnertime fun and interactive
Ingredients
- 5 burrito sized flour tortillas
- 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning mix
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the taco seasoning mix, shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using a spatula, spread the mixture onto each flour tortilla in an even layer, covering the entire surface.
- Roll each tortilla tightly to ensure they hold their shape. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap to help maintain the shape. Chill the rolled-up tortillas in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Remove the chilled tortilla rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 1-inch thick pieces (you should get about 8 roll-ups per tortilla). Arrange on a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve with taco dips like salsa, sour cream, taco sauce, guacamole, or sliced avocado for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling mixture
- Try using rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with an extra can of beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
- For a green variation, substitute green enchilada sauce for the red sauce
- Warm your tortillas for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before rolling to make them more pliable and prevent cracking
- These can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking – just add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups pair perfectly with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a serving of cilantro lime rice. For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, add a side of refried beans or Mexican street corn salad.
Set up a toppings bar with extra sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their roll ups to taste. This interactive serving style makes dinner more fun and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want!
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- To freeze, allow roll ups to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months
- You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas turn slightly golden brown
- If the roll ups are browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the baking time
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they’re more prone to cracking. Warm them first and handle gently. They’ll provide a more authentic flavor but may be slightly more difficult to roll.
How can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the roll ups up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor. Simply shred it and proceed with the recipe as written.
Are these very spicy?
As written, these roll ups are mild to medium in spice level. The heat comes primarily from the enchilada sauce and chili powder. Adjust the seasonings to your preference or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
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