White Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings together creamy flavors, tender chicken, and chewy tortillas for a meal everyone will love. They are perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even as a comforting weeknight treat. What sets this recipe apart is the homemade white sauce, which avoids the use of canned soups while still delivering rich, delicious flavor. You’ll find that these easy creamy white chicken enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser suitable for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: These enchiladas can be ready in about 30 minutes, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The homemade white sauce adds a rich creaminess without any canned soup.
- Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy these enchiladas.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers to make prep even easier!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake them just before serving for a stress-free meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious White Chicken Enchiladas, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for holding all your enchiladas comfortably while they bake.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for making your homemade white sauce without taking up too much space on the stove.
- Whisk: Ensures your sauce comes out smooth and lump-free, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
Ingredients
Tortillas
- 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
White Sauce
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. While it’s heating up, spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Roll up portions of the chicken mixture in each tortilla. Place them seam side down in the prepared baking pan.
Step 4: Make the White Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking until smooth.
4. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly before removing it from heat.
5. Stir in sour cream and diced green chilies until well combined.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the white sauce over the assembled enchiladas and top with the remaining cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. For a golden finish, broil for a few minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Now you have delicious White Chicken Enchiladas ready to serve! Enjoy this creamy dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Serve White Chicken Enchiladas
Serving white chicken enchiladas is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This creamy corn salad with lime and chili complements the enchiladas beautifully.
Add Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds extra creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances the richness while providing a fresh flavor contrast.
Serve with Sides
- Refried Beans: These hearty beans offer a warm, savory side that pairs well with enchiladas.
- Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices rounds out the meal perfectly.
Make it a Feast
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with zesty salsa are great for snacking before or alongside your meal.
- Queso Dip: Melted cheese dip served with chips makes for an indulgent appetizer.
How to Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
To make your white chicken enchiladas truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and flavor, shredded rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing taste.
- Choose Quality Cheese: Using high-quality Monterey Jack cheese will give a richer, creamier texture to your enchiladas.
- Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Keep the filling moderate to prevent tearing; this ensures easier rolling and baking.
- Let the Sauce Cool Slightly: Allowing the sauce to cool slightly before pouring it over the enchiladas helps avoid sogginess.
- Broil Carefully: Watch closely when broiling to get a perfect golden brown cheese topping without burning it.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Enchiladas
White chicken enchiladas can be complemented wonderfully by various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes a perfect base for your enchiladas.
- Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and a hearty addition to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter adds sweetness and crunch alongside the creamy dish.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness to every bite.
- Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice offers a refreshing complement to the rich enchiladas.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini are a unique side that brings in extra veggies while being delightful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making white chicken enchiladas, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using dry chicken: Always use juicy, well-cooked chicken for your enchiladas. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for flavor and moisture.
- Skipping the sauce: A good white sauce is key. Don’t skip it! Make sure to follow the recipe closely for a creamy texture.
- Overfilling tortillas: If you overfill your tortillas, they may burst while baking. Aim for a moderate amount of filling to keep them intact.
- Not covering with sauce: Ensure that you pour enough sauce over the enchiladas before baking. This helps keep them moist and flavorful.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too high or too low a temperature can result in uneven cooking. Stick to 350ºF for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing White Chicken Enchiladas
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating White Chicken Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF, cover with foil, and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of water and covering to steam until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about white chicken enchiladas that might help clarify any doubts.
Can I make White Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative that still offers creaminess in your white chicken enchiladas.
Are White Chicken Enchiladas gluten-free?
To make gluten-free enchiladas, simply use gluten-free flour tortillas and check the broth for gluten-free options.
How do I spice up my White Chicken Enchiladas?
Add jalapeños or extra spices like cumin and chili powder to the filling or sauce for an added kick.
Final Thoughts
These white chicken enchiladas are not just delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. With their creamy texture and comforting flavors, they’re perfect for dinner any night of the week. Give this easy recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
White Chicken Enchiladas
White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, and soft flour tortillas, all enveloped in a rich homemade white sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, ready in just 30 minutes. With kid-friendly flavors and versatile ingredients, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or preparing fresh ingredients, this dish promises a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chilies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Roll portions of the chicken mixture into each tortilla and place them seam-side down in the baking pan.
- For the white sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour for one minute, then gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth. Allow it to thicken slightly before stirring in sour cream and diced green chilies.
- Pour the white sauce over the enchiladas and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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