Easy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

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.

White Chicken Enchilada Flavors To Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for white sauce. Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to ensure complete gluten-free preparation.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Monterey Jack cheese with dairy-free cheese shreds. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream to maintain creamy texture.
  • Spicy Mexican Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to chicken filling. Incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into white sauce for extra heat and depth of flavor.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. Keep white sauce and cheese components for rich, satisfying vegetarian enchiladas.

Serving Chicken Enchiladas With Toppings

  • Fresh Herb Burst: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the enchiladas for a vibrant pop of color and zesty freshness that elevates the entire dish.
  • Salsa Sidekick: Serve with homemade or store-bought salsa on the side, allowing guests to add a tangy, spicy kick that complements the creamy white sauce perfectly.
  • Cool and Creamy Companions: Add dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a quick guacamole to balance the warm, cheesy enchiladas with cool, smooth textures.
  • Fiesta Side Spread: Pair with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that brings excitement to the dinner table.

Store Leftover Chicken Enchiladas Easily

  • Store any remaining enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze prepared enchiladas for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag to preserve quality and prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and melted cheese. Microwave works too, but may soften the tortillas slightly.

FAQs

  • What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Corn or flour tortillas can be used, but soft flour tortillas are recommended for easier rolling and a softer texture.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Monterey Jack is ideal, but you can substitute with mild cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for similar melting qualities.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

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.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

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

  • Whip Up Comfort Cuisine: Quick chicken enchiladas that bring pure deliciousness to your dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken with ground beef or use different cheese to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Loved by kids and adults alike, these creamy white enchiladas satisfy everyone's hunger with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Family Dinner Champion: One-dish meal that comes together fast, requires simple ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Gather Enchilada Ingredients For Quick Dinner

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The primary protein source that creates the filling for the enchiladas and provides a tender, flavorful core to the dish.
Tortilla Base:
  • Flour Tortillas: The soft wrapper that holds the chicken filling and gives the classic enchilada structure.
Cheese Components:
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling and topping.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: The foundational elements that create a smooth, thickening roux for the white sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid and depth of flavor to the white sauce base.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Chilies: Introduces a mild, slightly spicy flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
  • Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Diced Tomatoes, Extra Sour Cream: Toppings that add freshness, color, and additional flavor layers to the finished enchiladas.

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

  • Evenly spread cheese between filling and topping for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve perfect creamy consistency.
  • Cover tortillas completely with sauce to keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
  • Swap chicken with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for versatile meal variations.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions just before serving to brighten overall taste profile.
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Easy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Easy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • 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

Scale

Protein and Cheese:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Tortillas and Base Ingredients:

  • 810 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

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken with a portion of Monterey Jack cheese until well distributed.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Gradually introduce chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps and create a silky sauce.
  6. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thick, bubbling consistency that coats the back of a spoon, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  7. 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.
  8. Generously drizzle the creamy sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage, then sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese across the top.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

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.

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