Irresistibly Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering white chicken enchiladas recipe that brings zesty Mexican flavors right to your dinner table.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shredded chicken, these enchiladas promise a delightful meal everyone will adore.
Soft tortillas wrap around seasoned chicken, creating a delectable blend of textures and tastes.
The rich, velvety white sauce adds a luxurious touch that sets these enchiladas apart from traditional red versions.
Perfectly balanced and simple to prepare, this dish comes together quickly for busy weeknight dinners.
Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of savory chicken, melted cheese, and smooth sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prepare to be the dinner hero with this crowd-pleasing enchilada masterpiece.
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FAQs
Corn or flour tortillas can be used, but soft flour tortillas are recommended for easier rolling and a softer texture.
Monterey Jack is ideal, but you can substitute with mild cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for similar melting qualities.
The green chilies add mild flavor, but the dish is not particularly spicy. For more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or use hot green chilies.
Use low-fat cheese and sour cream, opt for grilled chicken breast, and add extra vegetables to the filling for more nutrition.
Easy White Chicken Enchiladas Creamy And Dreamy
Gather Enchilada Ingredients For Quick Dinner
Main Protein:Tortilla Base:Cheese Components:Sauce Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers:Optional Garnish Ingredients:Step By Step Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Warm Up The Oven
Crank the oven to 350F.
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Craft The Chicken Mixture
Grab a mixing bowl and toss in shredded chicken.
Sprinkle in some Monterey Jack cheese and mix until everything is nicely blended.
Step 3: Roll Those Enchiladas
Take a tortilla and spoon chicken mixture down the center.
Roll it up tight like a cozy blanket and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Keep rolling until all tortillas are filled and snug.
Step 4: Create Magical White Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sprinkle in flour and stir for a minute to create a smooth base.
Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep things silky.
Step 5: Thicken The Sauce
Keep stirring the sauce until it starts to bubble and thicken.
You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon like a delicious blanket.
Step 6: Add Creamy Goodness
Pull the saucepan off the heat.
Swirl in sour cream and green chilies until the sauce looks smooth and dreamy.
Taste and add salt and pepper if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 7: Smother And Top
Pour the creamy sauce all over the enchiladas, making sure every inch gets covered.
Shower the top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese for extra deliciousness.
Step 8: Bake To Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
You’re looking for hot enchiladas with cheese that’s melted and turning golden at the edges.
Step 9: Serve And Enjoy
Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream if you want to take it to the next level.
Tips For Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Every Time
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Easy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy White Chicken Enchiladas bring Mexican comfort to your dinner table with a delightful blend of tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Home cooks can savor this simple yet satisfying meal that promises to delight family and friends with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein and Cheese:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Tortillas and Base Ingredients:
- 8–10 flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced tomatoes
- Extra sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken with a portion of Monterey Jack cheese until well distributed.
- Take each tortilla and spread a precise amount of chicken mixture along its center, then tightly roll and position seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, arranging them compactly.
- Create the base for white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate flour and cook briefly to develop a smooth roux.
- Gradually introduce chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky sauce.
- Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thick, bubbling consistency that coats the back of a spoon, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and gently fold in sour cream and green chilies, ensuring a uniform, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Generously drizzle the creamy sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the enchiladas are thoroughly heated and the cheese turns golden and slightly crisp.
- Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes before serving, and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or an extra dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Shred chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
- Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
- Whisk continuously while adding broth to ensure a silky, lump-free white sauce.
- Use gluten-free flour and tortillas to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Lena Martinez
Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach
Education
Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices
Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.