White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting yet flavorful dinner that brings a burst of creamy, cheesy goodness to your table, this White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with tender shredded chicken, soft tortillas, and a luscious sauce that’s rich with cream cheese and tangy sour cream, every bite feels like a warm hug. This dishmasterfully blends spices and creamy textures to create a deliciously satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for capturing the essence of this dish. Each one adds its own unique touch to the final result, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and a little kick.

  • 3 tablespoons butter: Gives the sauce a rich and smooth base to build on.
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey comfort inside and on top.
  • 3 cups shredded chicken: The hearty protein that makes these enchiladas both filling and flavorful.
  • 3 tablespoons flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to just the right consistency.
  • 3/4 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
  • 1 can of chicken broth: Brings depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that stands out.
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mexican-inspired spices.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Offers a robust, savory note that elevates the overall flavor.
  • 1 can of diced green chiles: Gives a subtle heat and fresh taste that complements the creaminess.
  • 8 flour tortillas: The tender wraps that hold all the delicious fillings inside.

How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A well-greased dish prevents sticking and ensures your enchiladas come out perfectly baked every time.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 cup). This mixture is creamy and packed with flavor — it’s the heart of your enchiladas.

Step 3: Roll Up the Enchiladas

Divide the creamy chicken filling evenly among the flour tortillas. Roll them up carefully and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This keeps them from unrolling while baking.

Step 4: Make the Saucy Magic

On medium heat, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and taco seasoning, creating a roux that thickens your sauce and delivers a cozy spice foundation. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until smooth and gently warmed.

Step 5: Enrich the Sauce

Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the sauce and whisk until fully melted and combined. Then, stir in sour cream and diced green chiles, whisking just until the sour cream dissolves — don’t let the sauce boil or you’ll lose that silky texture.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust. Bake uncovered for 22 to 25 minutes until everything is bubbly and inviting.

Step 7: Finish with a Broil

Switch your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes to get the cheese slightly browned and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning — this step adds a gorgeous, mouthwatering finish.

How to Serve White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or diced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy enchiladas. For some extra zing, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce invites those who love a little heat.

Side Dishes

Complement your meal with classic sides like refried beans or Spanish rice. Both bring extra substance and flavor, creating a well-rounded Mexican-inspired feast that’s perfect for family or friends.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the enchiladas on a bright platter with lime wedges on the side for a citrus boost that cuts through richness. For a festive touch, top with a dollop of guacamole or a drizzle of crema to add visual appeal and creaminess. Everyone loves a dish that tastes as good as it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to meld together, making for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat your enchiladas covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the sauce creamy and the cheese melty without drying out your dish.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a more authentic texture but are a bit more fragile. To prevent tearing, warm them slightly before filling and rolling.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding extra diced green chiles or incorporating chopped jalapeños into the filling can up the heat. A few dashes of hot sauce on top before serving also pack a flavorful punch.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian version.

How do I shred chicken easily?

Cooking chicken breasts in broth and then using two forks to pull them apart is an easy method. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have Monterey Jack?

Mild mozzarella or white cheddar both melt well and offer a similar creamy flavor, so feel free to swap according to your taste or what’s on hand.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to adore how this White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe brings comfort and excitement to your dinner plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully spice-balanced — perfect for those nights when you want a hearty meal that feels a bit special. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection!

Print

White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy and flavorful twist on the classic Mexican favorite. Filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and seasoned with garlic and taco spices, then smothered in a rich sour cream and green chile sauce. Baked until bubbly and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, they make a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.

  • Author: zara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (half of total cheese)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 can (about 14 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

Assembly

  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (remaining half)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 cup). Mix well until fully incorporated.
  3. Stuff Tortillas: Evenly divide the filling mixture among the 8 flour tortillas. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to keep them from unrolling during baking.
  4. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and taco seasoning, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux and remove raw flour taste.
  5. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the sauce is smooth as you blend the liquid. Continue whisking and warming until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Melt Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, whisking continuously until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. Add Sour Cream and Chiles: Remove the sauce from heat and gently whisk in the sour cream and diced green chiles. Stir until the sour cream dissolves but avoid boiling to maintain creaminess.
  8. Pour Sauce Over Enchiladas: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the stuffed tortillas in the baking dish, coating each roll generously.
  9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the sauced enchiladas for a cheesy crust.
  10. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.
  11. Broil for Color: Switch your oven to broil and broil the enchiladas for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese starts to brown for an appealing golden top.
  12. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Optionally garnish with hot sauce and serve alongside sides like refried beans or Spanish rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or use spicy green chiles instead of mild.
  • If desired, use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option but handle gently as they are more fragile.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to maintain sauce texture.
  • To make ahead, prepare and assemble enchiladas then refrigerate without baking and bake when ready to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: white chicken enchiladas, creamy enchiladas, chicken enchiladas recipe, baked enchiladas, Mexican chicken dish

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