White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich cheese, and zesty green chiles wrapped in soft tortillas. The creamy sauce elevates the flavors, making this dish a standout on any table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these enchiladas will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and spices ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Versatile Dish: You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze for quick meals later in the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These enchiladas are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect White Chicken Enchiladas, having the right tools makes the cooking process smooth and easy.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for holding all the rolled enchiladas while they bake evenly.
- Saucepan: This tool is necessary for preparing the creamy sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- Whisk: A whisk helps to combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring there are no lumps in your sauce.
- Mixing bowl: Use this bowl to mix shredded chicken with cheese efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Filling
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded chicken (about 1 big chicken breast)
- 1 4 oz can of diced green chiles
For the Enchiladas
- 8 flour tortillas (soft shell)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that when you’re ready to bake your enchiladas, they will cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Cook or shred your chicken breast and combine it with 1 cup of shredded cheese in a mixing bowl. Make sure everything is mixed well.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out 8 flour tortillas. Fill each tortilla evenly with the chicken mixture. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add in 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and cook for about one minute until bubbly but not browned.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth
Gradually add in 2 cups of chicken broth while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until you achieve a smooth consistency. Cook until thickened (about 5-8 minutes).
Step 6: Enhance Your Sauce
Mix in 1 cup of sour cream along with salt, pepper, and diced green chiles into your thickened sauce. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 7: Pour Sauce Over Enchiladas
Evenly pour the creamy sauce over your rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Ensure each enchilada gets covered nicely.
Step 8: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle an additional cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sauced enchiladas for that gooey finish.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake your enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese becomes golden brown. Serve hot with salsa or cilantro as desired!
How to Serve White Chicken Enchiladas
White chicken enchiladas are a delicious and filling meal that can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will help elevate your dish.
With Fresh Salsa
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh blend of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime that brightens up the dish.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy, this salsa adds a tropical twist perfect for warm days.
Topped with Cilantro
- Fresh Cilantro Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top gives a burst of flavor and color.
- Cilantro Lime Crema: A creamy sauce made with sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice enhances the overall taste.
Accompanied by Rice
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices and tomatoes, it complements the enchiladas beautifully.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish adds a refreshing element to your meal.
Served with Beans
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a traditional side that pairs well with enchiladas.
- Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad featuring black beans, corn, and bell peppers provides extra nutrition.
How to Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
To make sure your white chicken enchiladas turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor significantly. Opt for freshly shredded chicken and high-quality cheese.
- Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Be careful not to overstuff your tortillas. A small amount of filling ensures they roll easily and stay intact.
- Create a Smooth Sauce: Whisk thoroughly for a smooth sauce. This will make it easier to pour over the enchiladas without clumps.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the cheese while baking. A golden brown top signals they are ready to serve.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to cut.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Enchiladas
Pairing side dishes with white chicken enchiladas can enhance your meal’s flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice adds richness and balances out the flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter provides sweetness that complements spicy flavors.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with salsa make for an excellent snack or appetizer before the main course.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a light contrast to hearty enchiladas.
- Queso Dip: Warm cheese dip served with chips makes for an irresistible side that’s always popular at gatherings.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add flavor and color while keeping things healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making White Chicken Enchiladas, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are a few common mistakes to help you achieve the best results.
Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly melted cheese topping.
Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause uneven cooking and affect the overall flavor.
Overstuffing the Tortillas: Avoid overfilling your tortillas. Too much filling can make rolling them up difficult and may lead to spills during baking.
Skipping the Sauce: Don’t miss out on the creamy sauce! It’s essential for adding moisture and flavor to your enchiladas.
Underbaking: Ensure you bake them long enough for the cheese to become golden brown. This adds a nice texture and enhances flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing White Chicken Enchiladas
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating White Chicken Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed, until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making White Chicken Enchiladas, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you out.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor!
How can I customize my White Chicken Enchiladas?
You can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to your filling for more nutrition and taste.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, providing similar creaminess with added protein.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it unbaked in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
White Chicken Enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings and sides for an even more delightful meal!
White Chicken Enchiladas
White Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night at home. The combination of zesty green chiles and rich Monterey Jack cheese creates a flavorful masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, these enchiladas are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded chicken (about 1 large chicken breast)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 8 flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 cup of cheese.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour and cook for one minute.
- Gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened (5-8 minutes).
- Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, and green chiles.
- Pour sauce over enchiladas, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
