Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
A comforting Mexican-inspired dinner made with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese filling, soft tortillas, and a rich homemade white sauce.
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch)
For the Creamy White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Cream cheese
- Green chilies
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Black pepper
Mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
- Divide the filling evenly among the tortillas.
- Roll each tortilla tightly.
- Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the White Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Add Monterey Jack cheese and garlic powder.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble
- Pour the sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden cheesy top (optional).
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Tips
- Rotisserie chicken saves time.
- Warm tortillas for 15–20 seconds in the microwave to prevent cracking.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Microwave: 2–3 minutes per serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nut Information
Contains:
- ✅ Milk (cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, butter)
- ✅ Wheat/Gluten (flour tortillas, all-purpose flour)
Does NOT Contain (unless substituted):
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia Nuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Pine Nuts
- Sesame
- Soy (check tortilla and cheese labels if needed)
Allergy Note: Always read packaged ingredient labels, as tortillas, shredded cheese, and chicken broth may be processed in facilities that also handle nuts or other allergens.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: Yes, but warm them first to prevent breaking. The texture will be slightly different.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! It’s one of the easiest and most flavorful options.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Monterey Jack is traditional, but mozzarella, cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
Q: How can I make them spicy?
A: Add diced jalapeños, hot green chilies, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the filling or sauce.
Q: What side dishes go well with white chicken enchiladas?
A: Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, avocado salad, guacamole, or fresh pico de gallo are excellent choices.
