There's pure comfort magic happening when you pull a bubbling pan of white chicken enchiladas from the oven – that gorgeous golden-brown top giving way to tender tortillas stuffed with juicy chicken and smothered in the most incredible creamy white sauce. My family discovered these chicken enchiladas with white sauce on a busy Tuesday night when I needed something that felt special but didn't require hours of prep, and they instantly became our "celebration dinner" for everything from good report cards to Friday night movie marathons.
These aren't just any white enchilada recipe; they're incredibly creamy, perfectly seasoned, and so satisfying that even my pickiest eater asks for thirds. Whether you're looking for simple dinners with chicken or need reliable crowd-pleasers for potlucks, these homemade enchiladas chicken will become your new secret weapon.
Why You'll Love These White Chicken Enchiladas
These white chicken enchiladas easy approach delivers all the comfort of your favorite Mexican restaurant but with that homemade touch that makes everything taste better. What makes this chicken enchilada white sauce so incredible is how it creates this velvety, rich coating that seeps into every fold of the tortilla while staying perfectly creamy.
My husband calls them "fancy comfort food," and honestly, that captures it perfectly! The enchiladas white chicken combination creates this beautiful contrast of textures – tender shredded chicken, soft tortillas, and that luxurious white enchilada sauce that brings everything together. Plus, it's one of those quick and easy chicken enchiladas recipes that looks impressive enough for company but simple enough for busy weeknight dinners.
What You'll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create the most satisfying white enchilada sauce easy results that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Main Ingredients
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced green chiles
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small onion, diced
For the White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras
You can add jalapeños for heat, black beans for heartiness, or corn for extra sweetness and texture.
This white chicken enchiladas recipe is super easy – full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Create the Creamy Base
Melt butter in a large saucepan and whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
Perfect the White Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper. This creates that signature white enchilada sauce that makes these so special.
Prepare the Filling
Mix shredded chicken with diced onion, green chiles, cilantro, and 1 cup of the cheese mixture. This creates the perfect flavor balance for your easy recipes with shredded chicken.
Assemble Your Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of white sauce in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Can I make these white chicken enchiladas ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Top and Bake
Pour remaining white sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving – this helps the sauce set up perfectly and prevents a messy presentation.
Aliana's Pro Tip
The secret to the most incredible white enchilada is making sure your white sauce is the perfect consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick.
My grandmother taught me to always reserve a bit of extra chicken broth to thin it out if needed.
Also, don't skip the resting time after baking – those 5 minutes make all the difference in how cleanly your enchiladas slice and serve.
That's what separates good homemade enchiladas from absolutely perfect ones!
Creative Variations
Transform this base recipe by adding spinach for extra nutrition, using different cheeses like pepper jack for heat, or making it into a white enchilada casserole by layering instead of rolling.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These enchiladas keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually taste even better the next day as all the flavors meld together. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
My family loves these simple dinners with chicken served alongside Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad with avocado. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with anything that can balance the richness.
FAQs About White Chicken Enchiladas
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the sour cream with cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
Warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more pliable before rolling.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas work best for white enchiladas as they're more pliable and complement the creamy sauce better.
What if my white sauce breaks or curdles?
Remove from heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold broth to bring it back together.
More Mexican-Inspired Favorites You'll Love
If you're looking for more easy recipes with shredded chicken and Mexican flavors that satisfy, these dishes are perfect for family dinners:
Chicken Quesadillas – crispy, cheesy, and always a hit Mexican Chicken and Rice – one-pot comfort that everyone loves Chicken Taco Soup – hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cold nights
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious creation. You'll find this white chicken enchiladas recipe in my Mexican recipes collection where all my family's favorite south-of-the-border comfort foods live.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe:
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