White Chicken Enchiladas

Are you craving a warm, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than White Chicken Enchiladas! This delicious recipe blends tender chicken, creamy cheese, and warm spices, all wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a rich, cheesy white sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a flavorful meal to impress guests. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this easy chicken enchilada recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What are White Chicken Enchiladas?

White Chicken Enchiladas offer a unique twist on traditional enchiladas. Instead of a typical red enchilada sauce, this dish uses a creamy, savory white sauce made with cheese and green chilies. The filling consists of shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheese, and just a hint of cumin to bring out bold flavors without overpowering the creamy textures. What makes these enchiladas extra special is the Monterey Jack cheese and the wrapped tortillas that cocoon all that goodness before being baked to golden perfection.

White Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients You’ll Need for White Chicken Enchiladas

Before we get started, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. You’ll be making two main components—the white enchilada sauce and the cheesy chicken filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for the White Enchilada Sauce

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour (to create a roux)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 4-ounce can diced green chilies
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Ingredients for the Filling

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4-ounce can diced green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For Assembling & Topping

  • 10 (8-inch) tortillas (flour or corn, your choice)
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Now that all your ingredients are prepped, we can move on to making this mouth-watering dish!

Creating the Perfect White Enchilada Sauce

Let’s start by making the rich and creamy White Enchilada Sauce , which sets these enchiladas apart from traditional varieties.

Perfect White Enchilada Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter:
    In a medium-sized saucepan, set over medium-high heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Allow it to completely melt but be careful not to brown it.
  2. Make the Roux:
    Whisk in ¼ cup flour to form a roux. This is the base for the sauce and will help it thicken. Stir constantly for a minute until the roux becomes bubbly but not browned; you want it to remain light in color.
  3. Add Chicken Broth Gradually:
    Slowly pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly—this will take about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the Green Chilies:
    Add the 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, stirring them into the broth. This adds a mild kick of flavor that isn’t too spicy but incredibly flavorful.
  5. Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese:
    Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1 cup of sour cream and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, whisking until smooth. The cheese will melt nicely into the mixture. Give it a taste to ensure it’s seasoned to perfection—add salt if needed.

Your White Enchilada Sauce is now ready! Set it aside while we move on to making the yummy chicken filling.

Preparing the Cheesy Chicken Filling and Assembling the Enchiladas

Now that the white enchilada sauce is ready, let’s move on to the filling —the heart of your White Chicken Enchiladas. This filling combines juicy shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and just the right amount of green chilies and cumin.

Preparing the Cheesy Chicken Filling and Assembling the Enchiladas

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Filling

  1. Combine Filling Ingredients:
    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing). Then, add 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1½ cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  2. Mix Thoroughly:
    Using a spoon or spatula, combine all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This filling should be creamy and cheesy without being too heavy.

Assembling the White Chicken Enchiladas

Now, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas! Get your tortillas and filling ready, and don’t forget your prepared white enchilada sauce.

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Fill the Tortillas:
    Grab an 8-inch tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese filling evenly down the center (about 2-3 tablespoons). Roll the tortilla tightly to seal the filling inside, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
  3. Repeat the Process:
    Continue filling and rolling each tortilla, placing them snuggly next to each other in the dish. You should be able to fit around 10 enchiladas.
  4. Pour the White Enchilada Sauce:
    Once all the tortillas are rolled and arranged in the dish, take your prepared white enchilada sauce and pour it generously over the top. Make sure to cover every enchilada with the sauce—this ensures they remain soft and flavorful as they bake.
  5. Sprinkle Cheese:
    Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas. This will create a bubbly, cheesy layer after baking.

Baking Your White Chicken Enchiladas

Your White Chicken Enchiladas are assembled and looking fantastic! Now, it’s time to pop them in the oven and bake them to cheesy, bubbly perfection.

Baking Your White Chicken Enchiladas

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

  1. Bake the Enchiladas:
    Place the baking dish with your prepared enchiladas in the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes , or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You want the sauce to be slightly golden and the edges of the tortillas to have a light crispness.
  2. Check for Doneness:
    In the last few minutes of baking, keep an eye on the enchiladas to make sure the cheese has reached its cheesy, melty peak! You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on the edges, with the sauce bubbling around the sides.

Serving Your Delicious White Chicken Enchiladas

Ready to serve? Here’s how to make the final presentation just as impressive as the taste:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Cilantro:
    Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, give them 5 minutes to cool slightly. Then, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the rich, creamy flavors.
  2. Add Extra Toppings (Optional):
    If you’re a fan of extra toppings, consider adding a dollop of sour cream , a spoonful of guacamole , or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor. Sliced avocado or a squeeze of fresh lime also makes for a delicious topping.
Serving Your Delicious White Chicken Enchiladas

Tips for Serving

  • Serve with Sides: White chicken enchiladas pair perfectly with classic sides like Mexican rice , refried beans , or even a fresh pico de gallo .
  • Make It a Fiesta: Why not add some chips and salsa or queso for dipping to make your meal festive and fun?

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers (if any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the enchiladas in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for a quick and easy next-day meal.

Freezing Instructions

Want to make these enchiladas ahead of time? No problem!

  • After assembling (but before baking ), cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months .
  • When you’re ready to bake, let the enchiladas thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed—or bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to your original baking time.

Conclusion

Congratulations—you’ve just made a pan of flavorful, creamy White Chicken Enchiladas ! With its savory white cheese sauce, cheesy filling, and delicious toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive get-together, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every craving.

Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends who love a delicious, cheesy meal. Happy cooking!