White Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. These creamy and cheesy enchiladas are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. With tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a rich sauce, this recipe will surely impress your guests. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delightful taste that makes these enchiladas a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of sour cream and cheese creates a rich, comforting sauce that enhances the flavors.
- Versatile: Customize your enchiladas by adding your favorite vegetables or toppings to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, making this dish a hit for all ages.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking White Chicken Enchiladas, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking dish: Ideal for holding all the enchiladas together while they bake, ensuring even cooking.
- Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy sauce that adds flavor to your enchiladas.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your sauce.
- Mixing bowl: Great for combining shredded chicken and cheese before filling the tortillas.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (soft shell)
- 2 cups of shredded chicken (about 1 big chicken breast)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 4 oz can of diced green chiles
- Salt and pepper
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake your enchiladas.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Cook or shred your chicken breast until fully cooked.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of shredded cheese until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Lay out 8 flour tortillas on a flat surface.
- Fill each tortilla with an equal amount of the chicken mixture.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add in 3 tablespoons of flour; mix well and cook for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth; continue whisking until thickened (about 5-8 minutes).
- Stir in 1 cup of sour cream, season with salt and pepper, then add the can of diced green chiles.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over all rolled tortillas in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle an additional cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
Add salsa or cilantro as desired before serving these delicious White Chicken Enchiladas! Enjoy!
How to Serve White Chicken Enchiladas
White chicken enchiladas are a delicious main dish that can be enhanced with various sides and toppings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Fresh Salsa
- A chunky, homemade salsa made with ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty flavor that complements the creamy enchiladas.
Guacamole
- Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast to the flavors of the enchiladas. It’s perfect for dipping or spreading on top.
Cilantro Lime Rice
- Fluffy rice with cilantro and lime adds a refreshing touch. This side is great for soaking up any extra sauce from the enchiladas.
Sour Cream Drizzle
- A drizzle of sour cream over the enchiladas not only enhances taste but also adds a beautiful presentation to your plate.
Shredded Lettuce
- Fresh, shredded lettuce offers a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the dish. It can be served alongside or on top.
Black Beans
- Seasoned black beans provide hearty nutrition and pair well with white chicken enchiladas. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
How to Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
Perfecting white chicken enchiladas is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing.
Use fresh tortillas: Fresh flour tortillas will provide a soft texture that holds up better when rolled and baked.
Don’t overfill: Be mindful not to overfill your tortillas; this prevents them from rolling up neatly and keeps your filling contained.
Let the sauce thicken: Allowing the sauce to thicken properly ensures a creamy consistency that coats the enchiladas without being runny.
Add more cheese: For an even cheesier experience, feel free to sprinkle more cheese on top before baking for an irresistible golden crust.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Enchiladas
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing white chicken enchiladas with these delicious side dishes. Each option brings something special to your table.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and spices for a sweet and savory treat.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful beans seasoned with garlic and spices make for a filling accompaniment.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro adds brightness to your meal.
- Corn Salad: A colorful mix of corn, bell peppers, onion, and lime dressing provides crunch and sweetness.
- Chips and Queso Dip: Crispy tortilla chips paired with warm cheese dip make for a fun starter or snack.
- Avocado Salad: A light salad featuring avocado slices, tomatoes, and red onion dressed in lime juice is refreshing.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until tender add smoky notes that complement the enchiladas well.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, this rice dish rounds out your meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making white chicken enchiladas can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of cheese: Stick with Monterey Jack for the best melt and flavor.
- Overstuffing tortillas: Fill them just enough so they can roll without breaking.
- Not seasoning properly: Always taste your sauce and filling; add salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Skipping the baking step: Baking adds a wonderful texture and flavor that you don’t want to miss.
- Rushing the cooking process: Take your time when thickening the sauce; this ensures a creamy consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing White Chicken Enchiladas
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating White Chicken Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about white chicken enchiladas.
What are White Chicken Enchiladas?
White chicken enchiladas are a creamy and cheesy dish made with shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas, topped with a savory white sauce.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time!
What can I serve with White Chicken Enchiladas?
Pair them with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How can I customize my White Chicken Enchiladas?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap the cheese for your favorite variety!
Final Thoughts
White chicken enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them based on your preferences. Try this recipe for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
White Chicken Enchiladas
White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy delight that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With tender shredded chicken enveloped in soft tortillas and topped with a luscious white sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that impresses all ages. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize your enchiladas with your favorite toppings or vegetables, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Experience the joy of homemade White Chicken Enchiladas and elevate your dining experience today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 cup of cheese.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Stir in sour cream, green chiles, salt, and pepper.
- Pour sauce over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
