Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, these enchiladas offer a creamy filling with just the right amount of spice. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple cooking process, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Get dinner on the table in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or customize the filling based on your taste preferences.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of cheeses, spices, and green chilies creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe caters to all ages, ensuring even picky eaters will enjoy a delicious meal.
- Great for Leftovers: Enjoy these enchiladas as lunch the next day; they heat up beautifully!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these creamy white chicken enchiladas.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and melting of cheese, resulting in perfectly baked enchiladas.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic to enhance their flavors before adding them to the filling.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
For Assembly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
4. Add sour cream and diced green chilies; stir until heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take a tortilla and spoon some of the chicken mixture into it.
- Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Pour sauce over all rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with additional Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas with your favorite garnishes!
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Toppings
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Sliced Green Onions – Provides a mild onion flavor and crunch.
- Diced Tomatoes – Offers sweetness and juiciness that complements the enchiladas.
- Sliced Jalapeños – Adds heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Sour Cream or Guacamole – Creamy textures that balance the flavors perfectly.
- Salsa – A zesty addition that enhances the overall taste.
Sides
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with spices pairs well with the enchiladas.
- Refried Beans – Creamy beans add protein and richness to the plate.
How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
To make your Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time and adds great flavor to your dish.
- Balance the Spices – Adjust cumin, chili powder, and paprika to suit your taste preferences.
- Properly Roll Tortillas – Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
- Layer Cheese Generously – Adding extra cheese on top creates a delicious, gooey layer.
- Bake Until Golden Brown – Ensure you bake until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden for the best texture.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas can enhance the meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some excellent options.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A fresh and tangy salad made with corn, lime, and spices.
- Guacamole and Chips – Avocado dip served with crispy tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
- Black Bean Salad – A hearty salad of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro for added fiber.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice mixed with cilantro and lime juice for a refreshing taste.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add color and nutrition.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa that brightens up the plate with its acidity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using dry chicken: Overcooking the chicken can lead to dry enchiladas. Use rotisserie chicken for great moisture.
- Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the sauce properly can make your dish bland. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper.
- Overstuffing tortillas: Putting too much filling can cause tearing. Aim for just enough filling to fold without breaking.
- Not preheating the oven: Starting with a cold oven can impact cooking time. Always preheat before baking your enchiladas.
- Ignoring rest time: Cutting into enchiladas right away can result in a mess. Let them sit for a few minutes after baking for better serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for best results.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, checking often until warm, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of broth, cover, and heat on low until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas:
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheeses like Pepper Jack or Queso Fresco for different flavors.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with sautéed veggies or beans and use vegetable broth.
Can I prepare Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day before and keep them in the fridge before baking.
What toppings go well with these enchiladas?
Consider toppings like avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for added flavor.
What sides pair well with Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas?
Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or proteins. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and creamy textures in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this delightful dish features tender shredded chicken enveloped in soft tortillas and smothered in a luscious white sauce made from sour cream and green chilies. With just 45 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients and serve with fresh toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 small flour tortillas
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheeses, diced onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour until bubbly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add sour cream and green chilies; heat through.
- Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the enchiladas and top with additional cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (155g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
