Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy white chicken enchiladas topped with cheese and served with salsa.

The Comfort of Creamy Goodness

Ever tried creamy white chicken enchiladas that make your heart sing? Picture soft tortillas enveloping a luscious filling of tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and cheese that melts like a dream. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate. What makes it special? It’s quick to whip up, one-pan, and packed with flavor — because who wants hours in the kitchen when dinner beckons?

Why You’ll Fall in Love

Let’s be real: you want meals that make your life easier, and this one serves it up hot! Here’s why this creamy delight will have you and your family coming back for seconds (or thirds):

  • Easy Cleanup: With just one baking dish involved, you’ll spend more time enjoying your food and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids love cheesy, crispy goodness, and adults will appreciate the delightful flavors. It’s a win-win!
  • Budget-Friendly: Using rotisserie chicken and simple ingredients means you won’t break the bank making dinner.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

  • 8-10 flour tortillas (medium size)
  • 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 cumin (ground)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cooking your way to creamy perfection is a breeze. Just follow these steps:

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste and turns light golden to create a velvety white sauce.
  3. Gradually add chicken broth to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper until perfectly combined.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced onion, green chiles, cilantro, and 1 cup of the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly for a well-distributed filling.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  7. Place about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the prepared dish.
  8. Pour remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they’re completely covered.
  9. Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.
  10. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set properly.

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas (Overview)

Ready to dive in? Making these enchiladas is a joyful process! First, you whip up that creamy white sauce — it’s like cooking magic in your kitchen. Then, you mix the chicken filling, which is as easy as a quick stir. Roll it all up and bake until bubbly and golden. Pro tip: Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of your saucepan while whisking to ensure no pesky lumps make it into your sauce.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

When it comes to serving, let’s get creative! Plate these enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that pop of color. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad, and don’t forget those crunchy tortilla chips for texture. The aroma? It’ll have everyone gathering around the table in no time!

How to Store Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Got leftovers? No problem! These creamy delights keep well. Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can freeze them too — just ensure they’re well-covered to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to devour, pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave for a quicker option.

Tips to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Want to elevate your enchiladas? Here are some insider tricks:

  • Use leftovers: Leftover turkey or beef works just as well if you don’t have chicken on hand.
  • Spice it up: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
  • Cheese varieties: Feel free to mix up your cheese game — pepper jack or Gouda can add a fun twist.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch this recipe up! For a vegetarian option, ditch the chicken and load up on beans, corn, and extra veggies. Want to make them spicy? Add more green chiles or use a homemade spicy white sauce.

FAQs

  • Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
    Yes! Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

  • Can I freeze them?
    Absolutely! Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  • What can I substitute for sour cream?
    Greek yogurt works well and will give you that lovely creamy texture while adding a protein boost.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

A comforting dish featuring soft tortillas filled with tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and a creamy white sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1/2 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8-10 medium flour tortillas
For the sauce
  • 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 cumin (ground)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
For the topping
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided

Method
 

Making the White Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste and turns light golden to create a velvety white sauce.
  3. Gradually add chicken broth to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper until perfectly combined.
Assembling the Enchiladas
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced onion, green chiles, cilantro, and 1 cup of the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly for a well-distributed filling.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  3. Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  4. Place about 1/3 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Baking
  1. Pour remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they’re completely covered.
  2. Sprinkle remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top.
  3. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  4. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro; pair with Mexican rice or a fresh salad.

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