Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Introduction

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite with a rich, velvety white sauce and a flavorful chicken filling. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, these enchiladas are sure to become a new comfort food staple.

This image shows a baking dish filled with three rolled tortillas covered in a creamy white sauce. The sauce is melted and browned slightly on top, creating a golden texture with bubbly spots. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly over the top layer of sauce, adding contrasting color. The edges of the tortillas peek out from under the sauce, showing soft folds and a light tan color. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a close-up view that highlights the smooth and creamy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8-10 medium flour tortillas
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 tablespoons butter (for white sauce)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (for white sauce)
  • 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste and turns light golden. This is the roux, the base of the white sauce.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add chicken broth to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced onion, green chiles, cilantro, and 1 cup of the combined Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom.
  5. Step 5: Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and arrange seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a little garlic powder or smoked paprika to the filling.
  • Substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded turkey or leftover grilled chicken.
  • For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or sauce.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more traditional texture, but warm them first to avoid cracking.

Storage

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three rolled enchiladas placed side by side in a dark baking dish. Each enchilada is covered with a thick, creamy white sauce that is golden brown and slightly bubbly on top, indicating it has been baked. Fresh chopped green herbs, likely cilantro or parsley, are sprinkled evenly over the sauce, adding a touch of bright green color. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a soft focus on the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, or use a mixture of cream cheese and milk to achieve the desired consistency in the sauce.

Print
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Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

These Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with cheese, green chiles, and fresh cilantro, all rolled in flour tortillas and smothered in a rich, velvety white sauce. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a deliciously cheesy and creamy meal perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Enchiladas

  • 810 medium flour tortillas
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small onion, diced

White Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until the mixture forms a smooth paste and turns light golden. This step creates the base for your creamy white sauce.
  2. Prepare the White Sauce: Gradually add the chicken broth to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until fully combined and creamy.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, diced onion, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese mixture (Monterey Jack and cheddar). Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients for a flavorful filling.
  4. Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the prepared white sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place approximately 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll them tightly, and arrange seam side down in the baking dish in a single layer.
  5. Top and Bake: Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, covering them completely. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the sauce to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy white chicken enchiladas warm.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick and flavorful shredded chicken.
  • Make sure sour cream is at room temperature to prevent curdling in the sauce.
  • For added heat, use fresh diced jalapeños instead of mild green chiles.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensure they are handled gently to prevent tearing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: white chicken enchiladas, creamy enchiladas, Mexican chicken recipe, baked enchiladas, comfort food chicken

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