Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Irresistible White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe for Family Dinners

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these white chicken enchiladas will become your new favorite comfort meal.

Nestled in soft tortillas, tender chicken blends perfectly with a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure deliciousness.

Each bite brings a burst of warmth and satisfaction that feels like a culinary hug.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home.

Melted cheese blankets the enchiladas, adding a golden, irresistible layer of goodness.

Serve these enchiladas for a weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform your dinner table into a fiesta of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 7

All Ingredients For White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

For Filling:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that provides the main body of the enchiladas, best when using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor..
  • Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy melting cheeses that add richness and depth to the filling, choose high-quality block cheese for better melting..
  • Green Chilies: Adds a subtle heat and tangy flavor, opt for canned mild green chilies for consistent taste..
  • Sour Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the filling and balances the spices..
For White Sauce:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for the sauce, use unsalted for better control of saltiness..
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth consistency, sift to prevent lumps..
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a silky sauce, choose low-sodium for better seasoning control..
  • Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the white sauce, room temperature works best..
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic flavors into the sauce..
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile..
For Wrapping and Topping:
  • Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that hold the filling and create the enchilada structure, warm slightly for easier rolling..
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb for garnishing and adding a pop of color..
  • Jalapenos: Optional spicy topping for heat lovers..
  • Diced Tomatoes: Optional fresh topping for added color and fresh.

Tools Needed For White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining chicken, cheese, sour cream, and green chilies with plenty of room to mix ingredients thoroughly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for creating smooth, lump-free white sauce and blending ingredients seamlessly.
  • Baking Dish (913 inch): Crucial for baking and presenting enchiladas, allows even cooking and crispy edges.
  • Medium Saucepan: Ideal for preparing creamy white sauce over medium heat.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for consistent results.
  • Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and spreading sauce evenly over enchiladas.

Steps To Make White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the cooking space to a cozy temperature. Grab a rectangular baking dish and give it a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

  • Filling Creation

Mix tender chicken pieces with creamy dairy and zesty green peppers. Select soft tortillas and carefully wrap the delightful mixture inside each one. Nestle these rolled bundles into the prepared dish, positioning them snugly side by side.

  • Dreamy Sauce Crafting

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly introduce chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a silky base. Remove from heat and blend in rich dairy components and subtle seasonings until the sauce becomes velvety and inviting.

  • Final Assembly

Generously drench the enchilada rolls with the luxurious white sauce. Ensure every inch is covered in creamy goodness. Sprinkle a blanket of cheese across the top for a golden, melty finish.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the dish into the heated oven. Allow the enchiladas to transform for about 20 minutes, watching the cheese bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

  • Serving Flourish

Let the dish rest briefly. Scatter fresh herbs or optional toppings over the top. Serve immediately while the enchiladas are warm and irresistible.

Tips For Better White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Pro Freezer Prep: Double the recipe and freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, ensuring a quick meal on busy nights.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian guests. Each alternative brings a unique flavor profile while maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies. For extra kick, add diced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. Heat-sensitive guests can enjoy milder versions without compromising taste.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular cheese and sour cream with cashew-based alternatives or lactose-free products. Use olive oil instead of butter when making the white sauce to create a dairy-free enchilada that's equally delicious and creamy.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas. Use cauliflower rice as a side dish to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the authentic enchilada experience.

Ways To Serve White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Fresh Taco Fiesta Companion: Serve alongside zesty Mexican-style rice or crisp black bean salad for a complete meal burst with flavor.
  • Creamy Cool-Down Topping: Add dollops of fresh guacamole or smooth sour cream to balance the enchiladas' warm, rich profile and provide a cooling contrast.
  • Color Pop Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or vibrant red tomatoes on top to create visual appeal and add bright, fresh notes to the dish.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Offer sliced jalapenos on the side for heat lovers, allowing guests to customize their spice experience and enjoy personalized flavor intensity.

Storage Plan For White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes for crispy edges and consistent temperature.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Prepare an extra batch and freeze assembled, unbaked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time to ensure thorough heating.
  • Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep white sauce and chicken filling separate if preparing ahead. Store each component in sealed containers in the refrigerator, combining just before baking to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy tortillas.
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Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Rich white chicken enchiladas invite culinary adventurers into Mexican-inspired comfort. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spicy sauce create a memorable meal that connects families around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Jalapenos, sliced (optional)
  • Tomatoes, diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mixture Creation: Blend shredded chicken with cheese, sour cream, and green chilies, ensuring thorough incorporation for a harmonious flavor profile.
  2. Tortilla Preparation: Carefully wrap uniform filling portions into tortillas, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down in the baking dish to maintain structural integrity.
  3. Sauce Foundation: Develop a smooth roux by melting butter and flour, gradually whisking in chicken broth to create a silky base without lumps.
  4. Sauce Enhancement: Transform the base sauce by integrating sour cream, additional cheese, and complementary spices, stirring until achieving a luxurious, velvety texture.
  5. Assembly and Coating: Completely drench rolled tortillas with the prepared white sauce, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage across the entire baking dish.
  6. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle remaining cheese over the enchiladas, creating a golden, bubbling crust that promises a tantalizing visual and textural experience.
  7. Baking and Finishing: Bake in a preheated oven until cheese melts into a golden crown and enchiladas are thoroughly heated. Allow a brief resting period to settle, then garnish with optional fresh cilantro, diced jalapenos, or vibrant tomato accents to elevate the presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Tortilla Tearing: Warm tortillas slightly before filling and rolling to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of cracking.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk the white sauce slowly and steadily to avoid lumps, using a wire whisk for smooth, creamy texture.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Sprinkle cheese in layers for even distribution and ensure a golden, bubbling top without burning.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust green chilies and optional jalapenos to match personal heat preference, making the dish adaptable for different palates.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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