Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas for Cozy Fall Family Dinners Recipe
These Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas offer a cozy twist on a classic Mexican dish, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin puree with shredded chicken, sweet potatoes, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for fall family dinners, this recipe features tender rolled enchiladas baked to perfection with a creamy pumpkin sauce and melted cheese topping.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Sauce:
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (100% pumpkin puree)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (can substitute with sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Filling:
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (rotisserie chicken for quick meal)
- 1 cup Sweet Potato (can substitute with butternut squash)
- 1 can Diced Green Chiles (jalapeños can be used for more spice)
- 2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar can be alternatives, divided)
Others:
- 8 pieces Corn Tortillas (flour tortillas can also be used)
- 1 cup Cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, chicken broth, and Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Spread Sauce: Pour 1 cup of the creamy pumpkin sauce into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 3-5 minutes until fork-tender. Drain any remaining water.
- Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, and half of the Mexican blend cheese. Fold in 1/2 cup of the creamy pumpkin sauce to incorporate flavors.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Fill each corn tortilla with the chicken and sweet potato mixture, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining pumpkin sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining Mexican blend cheese on top to create a creamy, cheesy surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the enchiladas to rest for a couple of minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation, or cook your own chicken for fresher flavor.
- Jalapeños can replace diced green chiles for an extra spicy kick.
- Sweet potatoes can be substituted with butternut squash for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Greek yogurt can be swapped with sour cream if preferred for a tangier taste.
- Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn if preferred or to prevent cracking.
- Fresh cilantro is optional as some people dislike its flavor; it can also be added just before serving.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are soft before mixing to guarantee a creamy filling.
Keywords: pumpkin chicken enchiladas, creamy pumpkin sauce, fall dinner recipe, Mexican enchiladas, sweet potato enchiladas