Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish - Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce

Soft flour tortillas filled with flavorful chicken and shredded cheese then topped with a velvety white sauce made with flour, butter, chicken broth, sour cream, and jalapeños to create a perfect balance of authentic flavors.

Ready in just 45 minutes, these White Chicken Enchiladas are perfect for an easy and quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love!

Jump to:

• Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
• Why This Recipe Work?
• Best Way to Prepare Shredded Chicken for Enchiladas
• Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce
• How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas?
• Top Tips From the Chef
• Flavor Variations
• What to Serve with Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas?
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage and Reheating
• Related Recipes
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce

This Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce is a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time.

You can significantly reduce your cooking time and have a satisfying dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.

Same as Çerkez Tavugu - Circassian Chicken, it is also a great way to use up any leftover chicken meat.

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican food that has become popular worldwide due to their incredible flavors and versatility.

While traditional enchiladas are typically topped with a red enchilada sauce, we will be putting a twist on the traditional recipe by using a velvety white sauce.

The white sauce adds a creamy and luxurious texture to this white Chicken Enchiladas dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Work?

• Flavorful Chicken Filling - The chicken filling is seasoned with aromatic spices, creating a delicious base of flavors. The tender and juicy chicken add a satisfying texture to each bite.

• Velvety White Sauce - The white sauce brings a creamy and luxurious element to the dish. Made with a combination of flour, butter, chicken broth, sour cream, and jalapeños, it adds richness and depth of flavor to the enchiladas.

• Perfect Balance of Ingredients - The recipe carefully balances the flavors of the chicken filling, white sauce, and cheese topping. Each component complements the others, resulting in a beautifully harmonious dish.

• Ease and Convenience - With a cooking time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknights. It allows you to enjoy a homemade, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow and prepare.

• Family-Friendly Dish - The flavors and textures of this White Chicken Enchiladas dish appeal to a wide range of tastes. The combination of tender chicken, creamy white sauce, and melted cheese is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family can enjoy.

Best Way to Prepare Shredded Chicken for Enchiladas

This Chicken Enchiladas with White Creamy Sauce recipe is the perfect way to use up any leftover chicken from Baked Chicken Leg Quarters or Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken.

However, you can also easily prepare your own from scratch if you don't have any leftovers on hand.

Poaching the Chicken

In a large pot, add enough water or chicken broth to cover the chicken pieces completely.

You can enhance the flavor by adding aromatics like onion, garlic, bay leaves, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. It should register 74°C (165°F).

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board.

Allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.

Use two forks to shred the chicken by holding one fork in each hand and pulling the meat apart.

Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to quickly shred the chicken.

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker.

Add your choice of seasonings, such as cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, or a pre-made taco seasoning mix.

Pour in a small amount of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist during cooking.

Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks and mix it with the flavorful juices from the slow cooker.

Rotisserie Chicken

Purchase a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from a grocery store.

Remove the meat from the bones and shred it using forks.

The rotisserie chicken method offers convenience and already brings a delicious flavor profile to the enchiladas.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce

We need to gather all the essential ingredients before starting to make these super delicious and creamy white chicken enchiladas recipe:

White Enchilada Sauce

• Butter - Use good quality unsalted butter. To make the white sauce, make sure it is totally melted before adding the flour. 

• Flour - Plain flour or all-purpose flour is perfect for making cakes, cookies, pastries, and thickening sauces.

• Chicken stock /broth - I prefer using my homemade Easy Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) recipe to create a flavorsome base for the creamy white enchilada sauce. You can also use a good quality low sodium store-bought broth.

• Jalapeños - I prefer using pickled jalapeños for their mildly sweet flavor but you can also use green chilies for added spiciness.

• Sour cream - This is the key ingredient for creating a creamy white chicken enchilada sauce. Bring it to room temperature before using it to make it easier to combine.

• Mozzarella - You can use any type of stringy cheese you prefer, such as Kasar cheese, Cheddar, Gruyère, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese, as a topping to spread over the white sauce.

Chicken Filling

• Shredded chicken - You can prepare shredded chicken using leftover chicken meat or cook it from scratch using one of the methods mentioned above.

• Cheese - You can use any cheese that you have on hand or a mixture of your favorites.

• Green onions - For extra added flavor and color. Wash and thinly slice before using. Chives work great as well with this recipe.

• Tortilla wraps - Both flour and corn tortillas are great options. Warm them up slightly for a few seconds before using them to make rolling easier.

• Sweetcorn - They add color, texture, and sweetness to the filling. You can use frozen, canned, or fresh sweetcorn.

How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas?

Making this scrumptious Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce is very easy and straightforward.

However, to achieve the best results you need to follow a few simple steps:

Prepare the White Enchilada Sauce

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Once the butter has melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to create a roux. 

Slowly and gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens. 

Stir in the diced jalapeños, and season with cumin, salt, and pepper.

Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream.

Keep stirring until the sour cream is incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. 

Remove from the heat, and set it aside while preparing the chicken filling.

Prepare the Chicken Filling and Assemble the Dish

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together cooked and shredded chicken with sliced green onions, sweetcorn, ¼ of the creamy white sauce, and grated cheese along with salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat your oven to 180 °C (360° F). 

Prepare your baking dish by spreading a generous spoonful of white sauce on the bottom to prevent the tortillas from sticking.

Soften the tortillas before filling them to prevent them from cracking.

You can warm them up in a dry skillet or lightly heat them in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel.

Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla. 

Roll it up tightly and place it seam side down in your prepared casserole dish.

Repeat this process with the remaining soft tortillas and filling until the baking dish is filled with enchiladas.

Bake and Serve the Enchiladas

Pour the prepared white sauce evenly over the enchiladas, making sure to cover them entirely.

The creamy white sauce will add a velvety richness to the dish. 

Sprinkle the 100 grams of shredded mozzarella or any other melty cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gruyère cheese on top, creating a deliciously gooey layer that will melt to perfection in the oven.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Once the enchiladas are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. 

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

The vibrant green cilantro will beautifully complement the creamy white sauce and the enticing flavors of the chicken filling.

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

Top Tips From the Chef

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh to ensure moist and tender meat. Overcooked or dry chicken can negatively impact the overall texture and taste of the enchiladas.

• While store-bought sauces are convenient, making your own sour cream white sauce can take the dish to the next level. Use a combination of flour, butter, chicken broth, sour cream, and jalapeños or green chilis to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.

• Soften the tortillas before filling them to prevent them from cracking. You can warm them up in a dry skillet or lightly heat them in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel.

• When assembling the enchiladas, ensure that the chicken filling is evenly distributed throughout the center of each tortilla. This will ensure a consistent taste and texture in every bite.

• Roll the filled tortillas tightly to secure the filling and prevent any leakage during baking. This will also help the enchiladas hold their shape.

• Pour a generous amount of white sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle an ample amount of shredded cheese on top for a golden and gooey finish.

• Follow the recommended baking time and temperature in the recipe. This will allow the enchiladas to cook through, the cheese to melt, and the flavors to meld together.

Flavor Variations

• Feel free to experiment with different varieties. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend can add a delightful twist to the dish.

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.

• While traditional flour tortillas are commonly used, you can switch things up by using corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative.

• Adjust the heat level of the dish to your preference. Add diced green chilies or chipotle peppers to the sauce for a smoky and spicy kick. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, omit the spicy ingredients.

• You can use different proteins, shredded beef, pulled pork, or cooked shrimp can be excellent alternatives to chicken.

What to Serve with Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas?

When serving creamy white chicken enchiladas, you can pair them with various Mexican side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• A crisp and refreshing salad can balance the richness of the enchiladas. Consider a simple green salad such as Rocket and Parmesan Salad or Persian Shirazi Salad.

• Mexican Rice is a classic side dish that complements enchiladas perfectly. The fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices adds a flavorful and aromatic element to the meal.

• Creamy and savory refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They provide a hearty and protein-rich addition to the enchiladas.

• Fresh homemade guacamole and salsa are refreshing accompaniments that enhance the flavors of the creamy enchiladas. The creamy texture of guacamole and the tanginess of salsa provides a cool contrast to the warm and cheesy enchiladas.

• Mexican Street Corn - grilled or roasted corn on the cob, also known as elote, is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine.

• Set out a bowl of tortilla chips with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or a creamy queso dip. It adds a fun and interactive element to the meal, allowing everyone to enjoy some crunchy bites alongside the enchiladas.

Recipe FAQs

Storage and Reheating

Storage

If you have leftover enchiladas, allow them to cool completely before storing them.

Place the enchiladas in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 175° C (350° F).

Remove the enchiladas from the refrigerator and unwrap them if necessary. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight

If desired, you can add a little extra white sauce or sprinkle some cheese on top to keep the enchiladas moist and flavorful.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out during reheating.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through.

Reheating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the enchiladas.

Related Recipes

For more delicious and easy chicken recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this deliciously creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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