Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe

Zesty Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Twist

Creamy, cheesy chicken enchilada roll ups bring a zesty twist to traditional Mexican-inspired appetizers that’ll make your taste buds dance.

These bite-sized delights pack bold flavors into every single roll.

Tender chicken blends seamlessly with melted cheese and spices, creating an irresistible combination.

Each roll offers a perfect balance of creamy and tangy elements that complement one another beautifully.

The simple preparation makes these rolls a crowd-pleasing option for game day, parties, or casual family dinners.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, these roll ups guarantee smiles around the table.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Enchilada Roll Ups Are Always a Hit

  • Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy individuals needing a fast, delicious appetizer or snack that comes together in minimal preparation steps.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing personal tweaks like adding extra spices, swapping cheeses, or incorporating different protein options to suit individual tastes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, game days, and family events where guests appreciate bite-sized, flavorful finger foods that are simple to enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare roll-ups in advance and store in the refrigerator, making party planning and meal prep stress-free and convenient for hosts and home cooks.

Roll Up Ingredients for Cheesy Enchiladas

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that forms the core of the enchilada roll-ups.
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable base that holds the filling and creates the roll-up shape.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the filling together.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds richness and melty texture to the filling.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning Mix: Provides a classic Mexican-inspired spice blend for the filling.
  • Garlic, Green Onions: Fresh aromatics that add depth and zesty flavor to the roll-ups.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and a slight kick of heat to the mixture.
Garnish and Serving Options:
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb for optional garnish and additional flavor.
  • Salsa, Sour Cream, Taco Sauce, Guacamole, Avocado: Complementary dips and toppings for serving.

Step-by-Step for Enchilada Roll Ups

Step 1: Create Creamy Chicken Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Taco seasoning mix
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Shredded cheese
  • Drained diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced green onions

Blend everything thoroughly until the mixture looks consistent and well-integrated.

Step 2: Spread Delicious Filling

Take a flour tortilla and use a spatula to distribute the chicken mixture evenly across the entire surface.

Make sure the layer is smooth and covers every inch of the tortilla.

Step 3: Roll and Chill

Carefully roll each tortilla super tight, ensuring a compact shape.

Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain its form.

Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to help them set and become firm.

Step 4: Slice into Bite-Sized Pieces

Remove the chilled tortilla rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap.

Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into approximately 1-inch thick sections.

Each tortilla should yield around 8 appetizing roll-ups.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the roll-ups on a serving platter.

Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Enchilada Roll Ups

  • Refrigerate roll-ups for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape and make slicing easier.
  • Mix different types of shredded cheese like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
  • Make filling and roll tortillas in advance, storing in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before serving for convenient party planning.
  • Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for varied protein alternatives that suit different dietary preferences.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife and slice roll-ups with gentle, smooth motions to create clean, even-sized appetizer pieces.

Flavorful Enchilada Roll Up Variations

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-free version. Use butter lettuce or romaine for easy wrapping and added crunch.
  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans or refried beans for a plant-based protein alternative. Keep all other ingredients the same for a hearty vegetarian option.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or use a hot pepper jack cheese to increase the heat level. Adjust spiciness according to personal preference for a zesty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a complete alternative.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Roll Ups

  • Party Platter Paradise: Arrange roll-ups in a circular pattern on a colorful platter, creating a stunning centerpiece that screams festive fun.
  • Appetizer Adventure: Pair these roll-ups with crisp tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, and a zesty lime margarita for a complete Mexican-inspired snack experience.
  • Game Day Delight: Slice roll-ups into bite-sized pieces perfect for football watch parties, movie nights, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Lunch Box Surprise: Pack these chilled roll-ups in lunch containers for a quick, protein-packed midday meal that stays fresh and delicious.

How to Store Enchilada Roll Ups

  • – Refrigerate Promptly store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their freshness and flavor.
  • – Wrap Carefully wrap individual roll-ups in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and preserve their soft texture.
  • – Freeze Prepare these roll-ups ahead of time by freezing them for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • – Thaw Defrost frozen roll-ups in the refrigerator overnight, ensuring they maintain their original taste and consistency before serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute shredded chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even pulled pork for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These roll-ups can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or lunches.

  • Can I make these roll-ups spicy?

Definitely! Add some diced jalapeños, use a hot taco seasoning mix, or include a spicy salsa to increase the heat level to your preference.

  • Are these roll-ups good for parties?

These are excellent party appetizers. They’re easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are bite-sized, making them perfect for gatherings and game day events.

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Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe

Chicken Enchilada Roll Ups Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Zesty chicken enchilada roll ups deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with creamy cheese and bold spices rolled into perfect handheld bites. Crisp tortillas wrap savory filling, promising a delightful flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 5 burrito sized flour tortillas
  • 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 ounce (28 grams) packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 10 ounces (283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 0.5 cups (30 grams) chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty filling by blending taco seasoning, shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, minced garlic, and green onions in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Spread the prepared mixture evenly across each flour tortilla, ensuring complete surface coverage using a spatula.
  3. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, maintaining a compact shape, and wrap individually in plastic wrap to preserve structure.
  4. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for minimum 30 minutes, allowing them to firm and set completely.
  5. Extract chilled rolls from refrigerator and remove plastic wrap.
  6. Slice each roll into bite-sized segments approximately 1-inch thick, generating around 8 pieces per tortilla.
  7. Artfully arrange roll-ups on a serving platter, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro for enhanced visual appeal.
  8. Present alongside complementary dipping options such as tangy salsa, creamy sour cream, zesty taco sauce, smooth guacamole, or freshly sliced avocado to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or vegan options.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor to the filling.
  • Prepare roll-ups in advance and store in the refrigerator for quick party appetizers or meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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