Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender chicken wrapped in tortillas with a rich, creamy cheese sauce is the kind of dish that instantly feels comforting and familiar. It combines soft tortillas, juicy chicken, and a smooth, indulgent sauce that brings everything together beautifully. This is a recipe I often turn to when I want something hearty but uncomplicated, especially on evenings when I need a reliable family favorite. The tortillas soak up just enough sauce to stay moist without becoming soggy, while the cheese adds depth and warmth to every bite. I have made this dish ahead of time for gatherings, and it always reheats well, which makes it practical as well as delicious. It is satisfying without being heavy-handed, and its simple flavors appeal to both adults and children, making it a dependable addition to any home cooking rotation.
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Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with a Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce – A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Classic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Tender Chicken Wrapped in Tortillas with a Rich, Creamy Cheese Sauce is a comforting baked dish featuring seasoned chicken rolled in soft tortillas and smothered in a smooth, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the chicken evenly among tortillas and roll them tightly.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Pour cheese sauce evenly over the tortillas.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add green chilies or jalapeños for heat.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
- Serve with rice or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts provide lean, tender protein and shred easily once cooked.
Flour Tortillas wrap the filling gently and hold their shape well during baking.
Butter forms the base of the creamy sauce and adds richness.
All-Purpose Flour helps thicken the sauce to a smooth, velvety consistency.
Milk creates the creamy body of the sauce without overwhelming heaviness.
Cream Cheese adds tang and extra smoothness to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese brings sharp, savory flavor that defines the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese contributes a mild taste and excellent meltability.
Garlic enhances the sauce with aromatic depth.
Onion Powder adds subtle sweetness and balance.
Salt sharpens and rounds out the overall flavor.
Black Pepper introduces gentle warmth.
Paprika provides mild smokiness and color.
Fresh Parsley adds freshness and a clean finish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C. Cook the chicken breasts in lightly salted water or by baking until fully cooked, then shred and set aside. Warm the tortillas briefly so they are pliable. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute until lightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted. Season with garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the wrapped tortillas. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and lightly golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30 minutes, making the total time around 50 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a small splash of milk before reheating helps maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is very adaptable. You can add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the chicken filling for extra texture. I have tried mixing a little mustard into the sauce for added depth, and it worked surprisingly well. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut when time is limited. For a spicier version, a pinch of chili flakes or a small amount of hot sauce can be added to the cheese sauce. Whole wheat tortillas work well if you prefer a heartier wrap. You can also experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding a touch of Parmesan for sharper flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This recipe provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is rich due to the cheese sauce, so moderate portions are recommended. It can be adapted for lower-fat diets by using reduced-fat dairy products.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Shred Chicken Finely
Smaller pieces distribute evenly and improve texture.
Warm Tortillas First
This prevents cracking and makes rolling easier.
Whisk Constantly
Continuous whisking ensures a smooth sauce.
Rest Before Serving
Allowing the dish to rest helps the sauce settle.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results.
What tortillas work best?
Soft flour tortillas are ideal.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, cooked leftover chicken works perfectly.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but spice can be added easily.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, cooked vegetables blend in well.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella and cheddar are excellent choices.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and flour alternatives.
How do I keep tortillas from drying out?
Ensure they are fully covered with sauce.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Homemade sauce is recommended, but store-bought can be used.
Conclusion
Tender chicken wrapped in tortillas with a rich, creamy cheese sauce is a comforting, dependable recipe that delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is a dish that fits seamlessly into both busy weeknights and relaxed family meals.
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