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
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)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, whisking continuously until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- 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.
- Pour Sauce Over Enchiladas: Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the stuffed tortillas in the baking dish, coating each roll generously.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the sauced enchiladas for a cheesy crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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