White Chicken Enchiladas offer a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas, featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. This comforting dish balances subtle spices with smooth textures, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy sauce adds richness without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
Tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas for a comforting bite.
Simple ingredients come together quickly for a convenient meal.
Can be prepared ahead and baked when ready, perfect for busy schedules.
Versatile recipe that pairs well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
A crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for White Chicken Enchiladas
Flavorful Essentials That Create the Perfect Balance of Cream and Spice. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked, shredded chicken: This is the star of the show. You can use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together. It’s the secret to that luscious filling.
Sour cream: This ingredient enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang that balances the flavors beautifully.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. Feel free to mix in some cheddar for extra flavor.
Green enchilada sauce: This is where the magic happens! It infuses the dish with a zesty kick. You can find it canned or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that aromatic flavor. It’s a quick way to add depth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, it brings a savory note that complements the chicken perfectly.
Cumin: This spice adds warmth and earthiness, making your enchiladas taste authentic.
Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they wrap around the filling beautifully. You can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Chopped green onions: These are for garnish, adding a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Another garnish that brightens up the dish with its fresh flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s not just a meal, but a comforting experience.
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Making White Chicken Enchiladas is a straightforward process that yields delicious results.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready to impress your family or friends.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This step is crucial because it ensures even cooking.
A hot oven helps the cheese melt perfectly and gives your enchiladas that golden, bubbly finish we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
Mix until everything is well blended.
The texture should be creamy and smooth, with the spices evenly distributed.
This filling is where the magic begins, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Grab a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into the center.
Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Make sure they’re snug but not overly packed; you want them to hold together without bursting.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top.
This sauce is key to infusing flavor throughout the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sauce.
This layer will melt into a gooey, cheesy blanket that ties everything together.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slight golden hue.
Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; you want that perfect balance of gooey and slightly crispy edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes.
This helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to serve.
Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
These finishing touches elevate your dish, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Tips for Success
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s essential for even cooking.
For extra flavor, let the filling sit for a few minutes before assembling.
Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on flavor.
Equipment Needed
9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size for this recipe; any similar-sized dish will work.
Mixing bowl: Use a large bowl for combining the filling; a stand mixer can save time.
Spatula: Perfect for mixing and transferring the filling; a wooden spoon works too.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurate ingredient portions; you can eyeball it if you’re feeling adventurous.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for a unique flavor profile.
Low-Carb Version: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the filling for an aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: Pair your enchiladas with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing crunch.
Rice: Serve with cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Drinks: A cold cerveza or a zesty margarita complements the flavors perfectly.
Presentation: Serve on a colorful platter, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant touch.
FAQs about White Chicken Enchiladas
Can I make White Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the enchiladas and assemble them in the baking dish. Just cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for cream cheese. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories. Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover White Chicken Enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They make for a quick and satisfying lunch!
Can I freeze White Chicken Enchiladas?
Yes, these enchiladas freeze beautifully! Just assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What can I serve with White Chicken Enchiladas?
These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. A dollop of guacamole or a side of salsa can also elevate the meal!
Final Thoughts
Creating White Chicken Enchiladas is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing people together.
The creamy filling and zesty sauce create a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress.
They invite laughter, stories, and shared moments around the table.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful recipe.
Trust me, once you serve these enchiladas, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your home, creating delicious memories for years to come.
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a rich green enchilada sauce, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup green enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
8 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until well combined.
Spread a thin layer of green enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Take a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
