These Easy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a rich, cheesy, and comforting twist on traditional enchiladas. Made with tender shredded chicken, a creamy white sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. The best part? It comes together in under an hour with simple ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: The white sauce is smooth, rich, and full of flavor.
- Quick & Easy: Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like veggies, extra spice, or different cheeses.
- Family Favorite: A comforting dish that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the enchiladas: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Spoon the mixture into each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Make the creamy white sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until smooth. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the creaminess: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, diced green chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the enchiladas: Evenly spread the creamy sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or black beans.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked bacon or crumbled chorizo to the chicken mixture.
- Low-Carb Version: Use low-carb tortillas or serve over cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Different Cheeses: Try a blend of mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas will give a more authentic texture but may need to be warmed before rolling to prevent cracking.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker and adds extra flavor.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
For an even creamier sauce, mix in 2 ounces of cream cheese or heavy cream along with the sour cream.
Can I add veggies to the filling?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make great additions to the filling.
What can I serve with white chicken enchiladas?
Try serving with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh salad, or chips and salsa.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a slightly tangier, healthier version.
How do I prevent my tortillas from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting or pan-frying the tortillas before assembling can help keep them from becoming too soft.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use two baking dishes to feed a larger crowd.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to retain moisture.
Conclusion
These Easy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect comfort food, packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make. With a creamy white sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress—try it today and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
PrintEasy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 enchiladas) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Easy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are rich, cheesy, and full of flavor! Made with tender shredded chicken, a creamy white sauce, and melty cheese, this dish is the perfect comfort food for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Enchiladas:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Creamy White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (extra for the top)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: Make the Creamy White Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies. Mix well.
- Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the white sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro (if using) and serve warm!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Bake when ready!
- Add Some Heat: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Make It Lighter: Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Side Suggestions: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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