Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Looking for a delicious and family-friendly meal that’s a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights? Look no further than these mouthwatering White Chicken Enchiladas! This recipe takes the classic enchilada dish and gives it a creamy twist that’s perfect for those who prefer mild flavors over spicy ones. Filled with juicy rotisserie chicken, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and a luscious sour cream sauce with a hint of green chiles, these enchiladas are sure to become a new household favorite.

The beauty of these White Chicken Enchiladas lies not only in their comforting flavors but also in how quick and easy they are to make. In just thirty minutes, you can have a piping hot dish of creamy, cheesy enchiladas on the table, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters. The mild yet flavorful combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and creamy sauce all rolled up in a soft tortilla is a winning dinner option that will have your family coming back for seconds. So why settle for takeout when you can serve up a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and stress-free? Give these White Chicken Enchiladas a try and watch as they become a regular star at your dinner table!

Quick Benefits

• Kid-friendly: Creamy and mild flavor profile makes it appealing to kids and picky eaters.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast meal.
• Leftover perfection: Flavors meld together overnight, making leftovers even more flavorful and enjoyable the next day.
• Customizable: Serve with a variety of toppings to allow diners to personalize their enchiladas to their liking.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Recipe

• Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and picky eaters who prefer mild flavors and dislike spicy foods.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout and ideal for busy weeknights.
• Creamy and Comforting: The white sauce creates a creamy and comforting dish, perfect for those who prefer milder flavors to traditional red enchilada sauce.
• Customizable: Toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeños can be added to suit individual preferences.
• Leftovers Improve with Time: Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld, making it a great meal prep option.
• Foolproof: Detailed tips ensure success, such as cooling the sauce before adding sour cream and rolling enchiladas seam-side down.
• Satisfying: Each bite offers a balance of tender chicken, gooey cheese, soft tortilla, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal experience.
• Versatile: Can be served with sides like Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal or with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
• Repeat-Worthy: Once tried, this dish becomes a staple in your dinner rotation due to its ease, speed, and crowd-pleasing quality.

Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

For the Filling

• 8 to 10 small flour tortillas (corn works too)
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

For the White Sauce

• 4 oz canned diced green chiles
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dish and Oven

Coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Fill the Tortillas

Combine shredded chicken with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese in a bowl. Spoon mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam side down in baking dish.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Cook while whisking for about a minute.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Cook and stir until the mixture begins to bubble.

Step 5: Cool the Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat and allow the sauce to cool for 3 to 5 minutes to near room temperature to prevent curdling when adding sour cream.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Combine sour cream and diced green chiles, stirring until smooth with no lumps.

Step 7: Assemble and Top

Pour the white sauce over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Allow it to cool for a few minutes before topping it with your preferred toppings such as cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.

Storage Tips

Leftover white chicken enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container or with the baking dish covered tightly with foil. To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings for about 2 minutes until heated through or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes. It’s important to note that these enchiladas do not freeze well due to the sour cream sauce separating and the tortillas becoming mushy when thawed. For the best results, it is recommended to enjoy these enchiladas fresh or within a few days of making them.

The flavors of the white chicken enchiladas actually improve when stored as leftovers, as the ingredients have more time to blend together overnight in the fridge. The tortillas absorb more sauce, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish the next day. This makes the leftovers equally enjoyable and a convenient option for a quick and delicious meal. Whether reheating individual portions for a speedy lunch or warming the entire dish for a family dinner, these enchiladas remain a satisfying and comforting meal option that retains its delicious flavors even after being stored.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand, you can easily substitute cooked chicken breast or thighs. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken to match the amount required in the recipe. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of cheese or have a different variety on hand, feel free to substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different flavor profile.

For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce. The Greek yogurt will provide a tangy creaminess similar to sour cream but with less fat. Just be mindful that Greek yogurt may have a slightly different flavor than sour cream, so adjust seasonings like salt and lime accordingly to balance the taste. If you don’t have canned green chiles, you can substitute with fresh diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat and flavor in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious white chicken enchiladas with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete Mexican dinner experience. Garnish each serving with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, extra sour cream, salsa, or jalapeño slices to allow everyone to customize their plate to their liking. For a lighter option, pair the enchiladas with a simple green salad and tortilla chips with salsa as a flavorful appetizer while waiting for the enchiladas to bake.

To elevate your presentation, use a large spatula to plate the enchiladas individually, ensuring each serving is generously topped with the creamy sauce and melted cheese. The tender chicken, gooey cheese, soft tortilla, and flavorful sauce create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite. Don’t forget that leftovers taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together, making them the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

FAQs for Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese for these enchiladas?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese is traditionally used in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake them. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the tortillas from drying out. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if the dish is cold when you put it in the oven.

Is there a way to make these enchiladas spicier?

If you prefer a spicier version, you can add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling or sauce. You can also use a spicier variety of green chiles or incorporate hot sauce into the sour cream sauce for an extra kick.

Can I substitute the sour cream with another ingredient?

If you’re looking for a substitute for sour cream, you can try using Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt may alter the flavor slightly, so consider adjusting the seasonings to taste if you make this substitution.

Conclusion

White Chicken Enchiladas are a true family favorite that never fails to impress with their creamy, comforting goodness. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, cooking for a busy weeknight, or simply craving a hearty meal that’s both easy and delicious, these enchiladas hit the spot every time. The blend of tender chicken, gooey cheese, soft tortillas, and that rich, creamy white sauce is a winning combination that appeals to all ages.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings and sides to customize your White Chicken Enchiladas experience. Set out an array of garnishes like cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños, and pair your enchiladas with Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal. These enchiladas are a versatile dish that adapts to your preferences, making dinnertime a truly enjoyable experience. So, next time you’re in need of a quick and satisfying meal that will have your loved ones asking for seconds, turn to these White Chicken Enchiladas. Happy cooking!