Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas for Cozy Fall Family Dinners Recipe
These Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas offer a cozy and comforting twist on classic enchiladas, perfect for fall family dinners. Combining the rich flavors of pumpkin puree with shredded chicken, sweet potatoes, and a blend of warm spices, this dish is baked to perfection with melty cheese and a creamy sauce that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas, serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Enchilada Sauce and Filling
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (100% pumpkin puree)
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (or substitute with sour cream)
- 1 cup Sweet Potato (cubed, can substitute with butternut squash)
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 can Diced Green Chiles (jalapeños for more spice)
- 1/2 of 2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
Enchiladas and Garnish
- 8 pieces Corn Tortillas (flour tortillas can be used)
- Remaining 1 1/2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese
- 1 cup Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Pumpkin Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, chicken broth, and Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer Sauce in Dish: Pour 1 cup of the creamy pumpkin sauce into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly to form the base layer.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of water in the microwave and cook for 3-5 minutes until fork-tender.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cooked sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, half of the Mexican blend cheese, and fold in 1/2 cup of the creamy pumpkin sauce for added moisture and flavor.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon the chicken and sweet potato filling onto each corn tortilla, roll them tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the casserole dish over the pumpkin sauce layer.
- Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining pumpkin sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the rest of the Mexican blend cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time; you can also cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs.
- Substitute sweet potato with butternut squash for a different flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken or substitute with beans or tofu.
- Adjust chili powder and jalapeños to regulate spiciness as preferred.
- If gluten sensitivity is a concern, ensure tortillas and broth are gluten-free.
- You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a creamier texture with slight tang.
- Allowing enchiladas to rest after baking helps the filling set and flavors meld.
Keywords: Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas, Fall Dinner, Cozy Recipes, Thanksgiving Leftovers, Mexican Enchiladas, Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Creamy Pumpkin Sauce