Name: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 8-10 medium flour tortillas; 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great); 1/2 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream (room temperature); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

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If you are craving a comforting dish that perfectly balances indulgence and zest, this Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, drenched in a luscious, velvety white sauce made with sour cream and subtle spices, then topped with bubbling, golden cheese. Each bite delivers a creamy, flavorful experience that feels both familiar and delightfully unique. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas bring warmth and joy to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a stack of light beige tortillas with some brown spots, showing their soft texture, placed next to chopped white onions in a clear glass bowl and fresh green cilantro sprigs. In the top center, shredded light-colored chicken sits in a clear glass bowl, next to a glass bowl filled with white milk. Below that, finely chopped green jalapeños are in a small white bowl. Near the bottom center, shredded yellow cheddar cheese rests in a clear glass bowl beside a white plate holding a stick and a block of pale yellow butter. Small white bowls contain salt and black pepper powder, while a larger clear glass bowl holds a mound of white flour. Two white eggs are placed near the middle of the layout, completing the scene. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Putting together this Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet each ingredient plays an essential role. From the delicate balance of cheeses to the fragrant herbs and spices, each component adds layers of flavor, texture, and brightness that make this dish unforgettable.

Flour tortillas (8–10 medium): Soft and pliable, these wrap the filling perfectly without breaking.
Cooked shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for a juicy, savory base.
Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups, divided): Adds creamy, mild meltiness that keeps each bite luscious.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): Brings a sharp contrast to balance the creamy elements.
Green chiles (1/2 cup, diced): Provides subtle heat and a touch of smoky flavor.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a sweet and savory crunch within the filling.
Butter (3 tablespoons): The base for the luscious white sauce, giving richness and depth.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Creates the roux, the thickening agent for your smooth sauce.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses savory flavor and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Sour cream (1 cup, room temperature): Gives the sauce its creamy tang that defines this recipe.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy spice that enhances the overall profile.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every element.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Roux

Begin by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue to stir for about one minute. You want to create a smooth paste that just starts to turn a light golden color. This is the magic base for your white sauce, and taking this step slowly ensures a silky texture without lumps.

Step 2: Make the White Sauce

Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth while constantly whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Keep whisking for around 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper, resulting in a velvety, tangy sauce that will coat your enchiladas perfectly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with diced onion, green chiles, chopped cilantro, and half of the total cheese (1 cup). Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every tortilla gets a flavorful and balanced filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom to keep the enchiladas moist. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each flour tortilla, roll them up tightly, and lay them seam-side down in the dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle the rest of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible, golden bubbly layer. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until you see bubbling sauce at the edges and the cheese has melted to perfection. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven to allow the sauce to set beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

A close-up view of a brown rectangular baking dish filled with four rolled tortillas placed side by side, each covered with a thick, creamy white sauce that has a golden-brown baked cheese layer on top. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled evenly over the entire surface, adding a fresh touch of color. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with soft natural light enhancing the melted cheese texture and slight bubbling around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for bright, tangy contrast that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple side salad of crisp lettuce, avocado slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Spanish rice or black beans are classic pairings that soak up the sauce and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these enchiladas in individual ramekins for single servings or try freezing them in a casserole dish for easy holiday prep. Adding a scattering of toasted pumpkin seeds or jalapeño slices on top can give an unexpected textural crunch and a flavorful kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

This Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe freezes wonderfully! Assemble the dish but hold off on baking, then tightly wrap it with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time and checking for bubbling and warmed-through cheese.

Reheating

Reheat enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer, but they tend to be more fragile and may require warming to soften before rolling to prevent cracking.

Is rotisserie chicken necessary?

Not at all! Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but you can use any cooked chicken you have, even leftovers or poached chicken breasts shredded by hand.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or extra green chiles to the filling or sauce to bring up the heat level according to your taste.

Can I substitute the sour cream in the sauce?

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but keep it at room temperature and stir gently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas hold up well in the fridge and freezer, making them a perfect make-ahead meal that feels homemade and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe enough if you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special yet is easy enough for any night of the week. The creamy sauce with tender chicken and melty cheese creates a harmony of flavors that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this deliciousness to your table.