If you love comfort food, you’ll adore my Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! I’ll guide you step-by-step—no fancy skills needed. You’ll learn about the best ingredients, easy cooking tools, and helpful tips. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a rich, velvety texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: Using everyday ingredients makes this recipe accessible and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: The bubbling cheese sauce and fresh cilantro garnish make for an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) green chilies, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Required Cooking Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Dry skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Spoon for mixing
- Oven
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced avocado
- Additional sour cream
- Lime zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting a great bake. A hot oven helps the cheese melt nicely and the flavors blend together.
Making the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of each cheese. Add the diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling packs a lot of flavor.
Preparing and Rolling the Tortillas
To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place each tortilla inside for about 30 seconds on each side. They should be soft and easy to handle. Once warm, take a tortilla and put a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center. Roll it tightly, tucking in the ends as you go. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this until all tortillas are filled.
Creating the Cheese Sauce
Next, heat the chicken broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, stir in the remaining cheeses. Keep stirring until they melt and form a smooth sauce. This creamy sauce is the magic touch that ties everything together.
Assembling the Enchiladas
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish. Make sure every tortilla is covered well. This step is crucial for that rich, cheesy goodness.
Baking Instructions
Now, put the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and golden, with sauce bubbling around the edges. When done, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy every bite!
Tips & Tricks
How to easily shred chicken
Shredding chicken can be quick and easy. Start with cooked chicken. You can use a fork or two to pull it apart. For faster shredding, use a stand mixer. Just place the chicken in the mixer bowl and mix on low speed. In seconds, you will have perfectly shredded chicken.
Making ahead for meal prep
You can make these enchiladas ahead of time. Prepare the filling and roll the tortillas. Place them in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake them later, making dinner a breeze.
Enhancing flavors with spices
Spices can enhance your enchiladas. Add more garlic powder or cumin for a bolder taste. Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can even toss in some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color. Adjust the spices to match your taste preferences.
Pro Tips
- Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas before filling makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.
- Garnish for Freshness: Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor and color.
Variations
Vegetarian alternative
You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the chicken for black beans or cooked lentils. You still get that creamy texture by using cream cheese and sour cream. Add some diced bell peppers or corn for a pop of color and taste. This option keeps the meal hearty and satisfying without meat.
Spicy version with jalapeños
If you love heat, add jalapeños to your filling. Diced fresh jalapeños give a nice kick. You can also mix in some sliced pickled jalapeños for extra flavor. For a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. This option is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Gluten-free tortillas option
For a gluten-free version, choose corn tortillas. They work well in this recipe and hold the filling nicely. Make sure to check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. This option allows everyone to enjoy enchiladas without worry.
Storage Info
Refrigeration guidance
You can store leftover chicken enchiladas in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead.
Freezing instructions
To freeze chicken enchiladas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to label the bag with the date before freezing.
Reheating tips
When it’s time to reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat them on high for 2-3 minutes, checking often. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
What can I serve with chicken enchiladas?
You can serve chicken enchiladas with many tasty sides. Some great options include:
- Refried beans
- Mexican rice
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Fresh salad
These sides add flavor and make your meal complete.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor. Shred the chicken and mix it with the other filling ingredients. You will enjoy a quick and easy meal!
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To adjust the sauce's thickness, you can add or reduce chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, use less broth. For a thinner sauce, add more broth slowly. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency.
What type of cheese works best for enchiladas?
The best cheeses for enchiladas are usually cheddar and Monterey Jack. They melt well and add rich flavor. You can also try queso blanco or pepper jack if you want a twist.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add many vegetables to the filling. Consider using:
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Corn
- Zucchini
These will not only add nutrition but also enhance the taste and texture of your enchiladas.
We covered the key ingredients for tasty chicken enchiladas and tools you need. You learned how to make the filling, cheese sauce, and roll the tortillas. We shared tips to help with shredding and flavoring, plus variations for different diets. Finally, we went over storage, serving suggestions, and common questions.
Now, you can make delicious enchiladas that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
