These creamy, cheesy White Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious twist on a classic Mexican dish. With tender shredded chicken, a luscious white sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these enchiladas are sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The white sauce is rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Simple ingredients come together for a restaurant-quality dish.
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for convenience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked and shredded chicken
- Flour tortillas
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
- Green chilies
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Cook and shred your chicken if you haven’t already. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble the enchiladas: Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add sour cream and green chilies: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in sour cream and green chilies. Mix until smooth.
- Pour and bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the enchiladas in the baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with your choice of cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein options: Substitute chicken with turkey, ground beef, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese alternatives: Use a combination of cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby cheese for a unique flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas and a gluten-free flour substitute for the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: Assemble the enchiladas and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option for this recipe.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Briefly warming the tortillas before assembling can help reduce sogginess.
4. What type of tortillas should I use?
Flour tortillas are traditionally used for this recipe, but corn tortillas can work if preferred.
5. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
6. How do I make the sauce thinner?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach make excellent additions to the filling.
8. How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a spicy green chili sauce to amp up the heat.
9. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese, butter, and sour cream alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
10. What sides pair well with white chicken enchiladas?
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
White Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect blend of creamy and cheesy, making them a standout dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting guests, this comforting dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
PrintWhite Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Mexican-American
- Cuisine: Baking
Description
White Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, featuring tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a creamy, cheesy white sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
For the White Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a portion of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the White Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies until well combined.
- Bake:
- Pour the white sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe, providing convenience and flavor.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas are recommended for their softness, but corn tortillas can be used if preferred.
- Spice Level: For a spicier kick, consider using diced jalapeños or adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
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