Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up your enchilada game, look no further than these mouthwatering White Chicken Enchiladas. A departure from the traditional red sauce variety, these enchiladas feature a rich, creamy white sauce that envelops flavorful seasoned chicken and gooey Monterey Jack cheese. This recipe is a game-changer when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying.

I stumbled upon these White Chicken Enchiladas during a moment of kitchen creativity, wanting to elevate leftover rotisserie chicken into a meal that felt indulgent and special. The result was a crowd-pleaser, especially with my kids who devoured them without hesitation. The creamy white sauce not only adds a luxurious touch but also ensures every bite is packed with cheesy goodness. It’s no wonder they’ve become a family favorite, often requested over the classic enchiladas.

Mastering the art of creating a smooth sauce is key to perfecting this dish, as I learned through trial and error. Taking the time to create a velvety roux is worth the effort, resulting in a silky sauce that ties the enchiladas together flawlessly. Whether you’re preparing these for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these White Chicken Enchiladas are sure to impress with their comforting flavors and creamy textures.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and comforting alternative to traditional red sauce enchiladas
• Rich, cheesy white sauce made from scratch adds a delicious touch
• Perfect for picky eaters – mild and comforting flavors appeal to kids
• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly for convenience

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

• Creamy and Comforting: The homemade rich, cheesy white sauce combined with seasoned chicken and Monterey Jack cheese creates a dish that is incredibly comforting and satisfying.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these enchiladas, as the mild and creamy white sauce masks any vegetable flavors, and the abundance of cheese in every bite makes it a hit with kids.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe with different proteins like turkey or shrimp, add vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition, or experiment with different cheese combinations for variety.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble these enchiladas in advance and refrigerate them overnight before baking, or freeze them before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal option.
• Great for Special Occasions: These enchiladas can elevate any dinner into a special occasion with their combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
• Balanced Meal: While rich enough to be a complete meal on its own, these enchiladas pair perfectly with sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad with a lime vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
• Easy to Make: Once you master making the roux for the sauce, this recipe is straightforward and delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Chicken Filling

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Assembly

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded (for topping)
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

White Sauce

• 4 oz canned green chilies
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prep Oven and Dish

Preheat oven to 425°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Make Chicken Broth

In a microwave-safe measuring cup, mix 2 cups of water with 2 chicken bouillon cubes. Microwave on high for 2 minutes until the bouillon cubes dissolve. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded chicken, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Evenly distribute the chicken mixture onto the 8 tortillas. Sprinkle each with an equal amount of the 2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 6: Start the White Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.

Step 7: Create Creamy Base

Whisk in the chicken broth gradually, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce

Take the mixture off the heat and stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, green chilies, and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese until creamy.

Step 9: Top and Bake

Evenly pour the white sauce over the enchiladas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of Mexican blend cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the enchiladas to sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Serve with your preferred Mexican accompaniments while hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious white chicken enchiladas, you can store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. If you have extra enchiladas, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

If you want to store the enchiladas for a longer period, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap the assembled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy the frozen enchiladas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them according to the original recipe instructions. This is a convenient option for meal prep or for saving a batch for a future meal when you’re short on time but craving a comforting dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of these white chicken enchiladas, you can easily substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms. The beans will provide a hearty and protein-packed filling, while the mushrooms can add a meaty texture. You can also consider adding some extra veggies like diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of this dish, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the white sauce. The Greek yogurt will still provide creaminess and tanginess without as much fat. Additionally, you can opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas instead of the traditional flour tortillas for a healthier alternative. These substitutions can help reduce the overall calorie and fat content while still maintaining the delicious flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these white chicken enchiladas, try topping them with some sliced avocado, chopped fresh tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream before serving. The creamy textures complement the rich sauce and gooey cheese, adding a burst of freshness and color to each bite.

To elevate the presentation, consider baking the enchiladas in individual ramekins instead of a large baking dish. This not only creates a beautiful individualized portion but also makes for a more elegant and impressive presentation when serving guests. Garnish each ramekin with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a drizzle of hot sauce for a pop of flavor and visual appeal.

FAQs for Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Can I make these white chicken enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble these enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight before baking. If baking from cold, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze these white chicken enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze these enchiladas before baking. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the recipe.

What can I serve with these white chicken enchiladas?

These enchiladas are rich enough to be a complete meal, but they also pair well with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad with a lime vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Cold beer or horchata are great beverage choices to complement the mild, creamy flavors.

Can I customize these white chicken enchiladas with different ingredients?

Absolutely! You can try using different proteins like leftover turkey or cooked shrimp for variety. You can also add diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra vegetables, experiment with different cheese combinations, or add fresh cilantro to the filling for a burst of brightness.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. The creamy white sauce, gooey cheese, and seasoned chicken all wrapped up in a warm tortilla are sure to become a favorite in your household too. Don’t forget to savor each bite and enjoy the delicious flavors that come together so beautifully in this dish.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, these White Chicken Enchiladas are a fantastic choice. Remember to customize them to your liking by adding in your favorite vegetables or switching up the protein. Embrace the process of making the rich, smooth sauce and know that the effort you put in will be more than worth it once you take that first delicious bite. Happy cooking and enjoy your White Chicken Enchiladas!