Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

These enchiladas feature tender chicken and cheese wrapped in tortillas, smothered in a rich sour cream sauce with green chilies, then baked until bubbly.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:55 GMT
A close-up of cheesy chicken enchiladas topped with fresh cilantro on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of cheesy chicken enchiladas topped with fresh cilantro on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

These White Chicken Enchiladas have become my go to comfort food recipe. I first made them for a potluck and now they're the most requested dish at our family gatherings. The combination of that creamy sauce tender chicken and melty cheese is absolutely magical. My kitchen smells amazing every time I make them and watching that cheese get all bubbly in the oven is pure joy.

Better Than Takeout

What I love about this recipe is how simple yet impressive it is. The cream sauce comes together in minutes and using rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze. Every bite is filled with that perfect combination of creamy tangy and cheesy goodness. My kids even ask for the leftovers in their lunch boxes.

What You'll Need

  • Flour Tortillas: 8-10 small tortillas, soft and pliable to hold the filling.
  • Chicken: 3 cups cooked and shredded, perfect for using leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
  • Cheese: 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack, divided for creamy richness inside and out.
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted, to create the base of the sauce.
  • Flour: 3 tablespoons for thickening the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: 2 cups to build the creamy sauce.
  • Sour Cream: 1 cup for a tangy and smooth sauce.
  • Green Chilies: 1 (4-ounce) can diced, for a mild kick.
  • Green Onions: 2-3 tablespoons sliced, for garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.

Let's Make Enchiladas

Get Started
Warm up that oven and grab your baking dish. I always spray it well to prevent sticking.
Roll Them Up
Mix your chicken and cheese then roll them into those soft tortillas. The key is keeping them snug side by side in the pan.
Make That Amazing Sauce
This is where the magic happens. That butter flour mixture turns into the creamiest sauce once you add the broth and sour cream.
Bring It All Together
Pour that beautiful sauce over your enchiladas add more cheese because why not and let the oven work its magic.
The Final Touch
Sprinkle those green onions on top and watch everyone gather around the table.
A plate of cheesy enchiladas topped with cilantro, served with a side of fresh greens. Pin it
A plate of cheesy enchiladas topped with cilantro, served with a side of fresh greens. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I spice things up with hot green chilies or throw in some sautéed peppers and onions. My daughter loves when I use different cheese combinations and my gluten free friends appreciate knowing they can easily adapt the recipe with different tortillas.

Plan Ahead

I love that I can make these ahead when I'm hosting. Just assemble cover and pop in the fridge until I'm ready to bake. The leftovers heat up beautifully too perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

A creamy, cheesy enchilada garnished with fresh cilantro sits on a white plate. Pin it
A creamy, cheesy enchilada garnished with fresh cilantro sits on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Pure Comfort

These enchiladas never fail to bring smiles to faces. They're my definition of perfect comfort food creamy cheesy and so satisfying. Whether it's a quiet family dinner or a big gathering they're always a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option. Just shred or chop the meat and use it in place of cooked chicken.
→ How can I make these spicier?
Use medium or hot green chilies instead of mild, or add cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños to the filling.
→ Can I make these ahead?
You can assemble the enchiladas ahead and refrigerate. Make the sauce fresh before baking and add extra time if cooking from cold.
→ Why cool the sauce before adding sour cream?
Cooling prevents the sour cream from curdling when added to the hot sauce. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
→ What sides go well with these?
Serve with Spanish rice, refried or black beans, or a fresh green salad. Mexican-style street corn also pairs well.

Conclusion

These creamy white chicken enchiladas are a delightful Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and a rich sour cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas.

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

Flour tortillas filled with chicken and cheese, topped with a creamy sour cream sauce and more cheese. Perfect comfort food dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (8-10 enchiladas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8-10 small flour tortillas.
02 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded.
03 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded.
04 3 tablespoons unsalted butter.
05 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
06 2 cups chicken broth.
07 1 cup sour cream.
08 4 ounces diced green chilies.
09 2-3 tablespoons green onions, sliced.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9x13 baking dish.

Step 02

Mix shredded chicken with 1 cup cheese.

Step 03

Fill tortillas with mixture, roll and place seam-down in dish.

Step 04

Make roux with butter and flour, add broth until thickened. Cool slightly then stir in sour cream and chilies.

Step 05

Pour sauce over enchiladas, top with remaining cheese.

Step 06

Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Optional broil for golden top.

Notes

  1. Can use rotisserie chicken.
  2. Adjust spice level with chilies.
  3. Great with Spanish rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, sour cream).
  • Wheat (flour, tortillas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 30 g