Creamy Enchiladas Rojas

Creamy Enchiladas Rojas is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 46 min

Cost: $14.27 total, $3.57 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Tomatoes (ripe, cut in half)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 pods Chili Pods (fresh, mild or hot)
  • 2.5 cups Water (filtered)
  • 2.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano (dried Mexican oregano)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cumin (ground)
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
  • 0.5 cup Crema (Mexican crema or substitute with sour cream + lime)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • 8 pieces Corn Tortillas (6‑inch, soft)
  • 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded)
  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (cheddar + Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (for topping) (same blend as above)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Cut the tomatoes in half, mince the garlic cloves, and slice the chili pods.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Oil

    Add 1 tbsp oil to a large skillet over medium heat and let it heat up.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Fry Tomatoes

    Place the tomato halves cut‑side down in the skillet, fry for 3 minutes, then flip and fry the other side for 2 minutes until lightly softened.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Garlic

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and fry for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Chili Pods

    Add the sliced chili pods and fry for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn them.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Simmer with Water

    Pour in 2½ cups of water, cover the skillet, turn the heat up to bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Blend Base Sauce

    Transfer the hot mixture to a blender, add 2½ tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp ground cumin. Blend until completely smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add Dairy

    Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and crema to the blender. Blend again until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Warm Sauce

    Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat and keep warm while you fry the tortillas.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Fry Tortillas

    Add a little more oil to the skillet, heat until shimmering, then quickly fry each tortilla for about 5 seconds until blisters form. Remove and set aside on paper towels.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Assemble Enchiladas

    Place a generous spoonful of shredded rotisserie chicken and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on the edge of each tortilla, roll up like a taco, and place seam‑side down in the skillet with the sauce.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Melt Cheese and Finish

    Drizzle any remaining sauce over the stacked enchiladas, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the skillet, turn heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Serve

    Slide the enchiladas onto plates, spoon extra sauce over the top, and enjoy while hot.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
18g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: July 3, 2026

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Creamy Enchiladas Rojas

Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia

A super‑easy, creamy enchilada sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, chilies and dairy, tossed with rotisserie chicken and melted cheese for a quick Mexican‑style dinner. Lightly fried tortillas give a slight blister for texture, while the sauce stays rich and velvety.

MediumMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.27
Total cost
$3.57
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fry tomatoes without burning
  • Avoid burning the chili pods
  • Blend the hot tomato mixture carefully to prevent splatter
  • Fry tortillas only until blistered (about 5 seconds)
  • Cover and melt cheese without overcooking

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns – use a splatter guard if needed
  • Blending hot liquids can create steam – vent the blender lid slightly
  • Handle the skillet handle with a pot holder as it becomes hot

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy chicken enchiladas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Enchiladas date back to pre‑colonial Mexico, where corn tortillas were rolled around fillings and covered with chili sauces. The creamy version, incorporating dairy like crema and cheese, reflects Spanish influence and modern Mexican home cooking, turning a traditional dish into a comforting family favorite.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of enchiladas in Mexico?

A

In central Mexico, enchiladas are often smothered in red chile sauce and topped with cheese. In Oaxaca, they may be filled with mole and wrapped in corn tortillas. The creamy sauce used here is common in northern and coastal regions where dairy is abundant.

cultural
Q

How is authentic enchilada sauce traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

Traditionally, the sauce is simmered on the stovetop and poured over the rolled tortillas before baking or steaming, allowing the flavors to meld. It is usually served hot, topped with fresh cheese, onions, and cilantro.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions are enchiladas commonly prepared in Mexican culture?

A

Enchiladas are a staple for family gatherings, birthdays, and holiday meals such as Día de los Muertos and Christmas Eve, because they can be made in large batches and feed many people.

cultural
Q

What makes this creamy chicken enchilada recipe special in Mexican cuisine?

A

The sauce blends fresh tomatoes with dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, crema) for a velvety texture, while lightly blistered tortillas add a subtle char. Using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep without sacrificing flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy chicken enchiladas?

A

Over‑cooking the tomatoes or chilies can make the sauce bitter, frying tortillas too long makes them brittle, and adding too much water results in a thin sauce. Follow the timing cues and keep the heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a quick 5‑second fry for the tortillas instead of deep‑frying?

A

A brief high‑heat fry creates just enough blistering for texture while keeping the tortilla soft enough to roll. Deep‑frying would make them too rigid and absorb excess oil, altering the dish’s balance.

technical
Q

Can I make the creamy enchilada sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently, before assembling the enchiladas.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without lumps. It will have a pale orange‑red hue from the tomatoes and a creamy thickness from the dairy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?

A

Cooking Con Claudia focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with international flavors, often emphasizing quick techniques and pantry‑friendly ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Claudia emphasizes speed and simplicity, using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and fresh tomatoes, while still honoring authentic flavors. She often demonstrates stovetop methods rather than oven‑heavy techniques common on other channels.

channel

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