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Comforting White Chicken Enchiladas

Featured in Dinner Solutions You'll Love.

These white chicken enchiladas are a family favorite, combining soft flour tortillas with tender shredded chicken and plenty of Monterey Jack cheese. A homemade creamy sauce with sour cream and green chilies ties it all together for a comforting, flavorful dinner. It's easy to make, perfect for weeknights or a special gathering, and leftovers warm beautifully the next day. Try this recipe when you want an alternative to red enchiladas that's equally satisfying and delicious!
Hannah Author
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:29:49 GMT
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This classic white chicken enchilada recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort meal. The creamy sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melted cheese create a dish that's both elegant and satisfying. These enchiladas have become a trusted staple, equally suited for casual family dinners or special occasions.

The real magic of these enchiladas lies in their adaptability and reliability. They consistently receive praise from guests and have earned a permanent spot in countless recipe collections. The combination of familiar ingredients creates something truly memorable.

Essential Components

  • Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken provides convenience and built-in seasoning. Home-cooked chicken breast works equally well.
  • Monterey Jack: Selected for superior melting qualities and mild, creamy flavor. Fresh-grated yields the smoothest results.
  • Sour cream: Creates the signature tangy richness. Traditional full-fat delivers optimal texture.
  • Green chilies: Provides gentle heat and authentic southwestern flavor. Include the liquid for enhanced sauce.
  • Flour tortillas: Standard 8-inch size offers ideal portion control and maintains structure.
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Technical Tips

Chicken preparation
Hand-shredding creates ideal texture for maximum sauce absorption and even distribution.
Assembly method
Moderate filling portions prevent splitting. Two tablespoons per tortilla ensures proper rolling.
Sauce technique
Careful attention to the roux ensures silky smoothness. Allow proper cooking time to eliminate raw flour taste.
Temperature control
Cool slightly before incorporating sour cream to maintain proper texture.
Cheese layering
Strategic placement inside and on top guarantees consistent cheese in every portion.
Baking indicators
Watch for bubbling edges and light golden surface for perfect doneness.

This recipe evolved through careful refinement, moving away from processed ingredients toward scratch-made components. The decision to incorporate green chilies directly into the sauce creates more uniform flavor distribution. Selecting Monterey Jack cheese proves essential for achieving the ideal melted texture.

Accompaniments

Balance the richness with fresh sides like citrus-dressed greens. Traditional pairings include Mexican-style rice and seasoned black beans. Fresh garnishes of cilantro and diced tomatoes add brightness and color contrast.

Variations

Consider adding corn or black beans to enhance texture and nutritional value. Increase heat by incorporating diced jalapeños. Experiment with pepper jack cheese for additional spice.

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White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

These enchiladas consistently deliver satisfaction across various dining occasions. Their reliable preparation method and adaptable nature make them suitable for both everyday meals and special gatherings. The combination of familiar ingredients creates a dish that surpasses the sum of its parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas the day before. Just store them covered in the fridge and bake fresh when ready.
→ What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect, but any leftover cooked chicken shredded finely works great in this recipe.
→ Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, they freeze well! Assemble them without baking, freeze covered, and thaw before baking when ready.
→ What can I serve on the side?
Serve with a green salad, Mexican rice, or black beans for a complete meal.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?
Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick, or stick with mild green chilies for a milder flavor.

Easy White Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy chicken enchiladas with cheese and green chilies baked to perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 6 Servings (8-10 enchiladas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Enchiladas

01 8-10 soft flour tortillas
02 2 cups of chicken, already cooked and pulled apart
03 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, split in half

→ Creamy White Sauce

04 3 tablespoons of butter
05 3 tablespoons of regular flour
06 2 cups of chicken stock
07 1 cup of sour cream
08 1 small can (4 oz) of diced green chilies

→ Optional Garnishes

09 Chopped up fresh cilantro
10 Diced up tomatoes
11 Extra dollop of sour cream
12 Chopped avocado pieces
13 Thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese with the pulled chicken. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Lay them seam-side down in the baking dish you prepped earlier. Pack them snugly.

Step 04

In a pan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring frequently, until it's blended into a paste (this is your roux). Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth without lumps.

Step 05

Keep stirring the sauce as it cooks. In about 4 to 5 minutes, it'll bubble up and thicken enough to coat your spoon.

Step 06

Take the pan off the heat. Mix in the diced chilies and sour cream until the sauce looks smooth and even. Add salt and pepper if it needs a boost.

Step 07

Pour your creamy sauce all over the snug tortillas, making sure everything's coated. Spread the other 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top of the sauce.

Step 08

Bake the enchiladas uncovered for around 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden at the edges, and everything is warmed through.

Step 09

Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before digging in. Sprinkle on toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, green onion, or cilantro if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Want to save time? Use a rotisserie chicken from the store.
  2. The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t panic if it seems runny straight off the stove.
  3. For extra spice, throw in a chopped jalapeño or swap the Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • A whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • It has wheat (tortillas)
  • It contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 22 g