Name: Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8-10 small flour tortillas; 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream; 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

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These Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. This dish features tender shredded chicken, creamy sour cream sauce, and gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese wrapped in soft flour tortillas. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a classic Mexican-inspired comfort food that combines the flavors of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness. The white sour cream sauce, with a slight kick from the green chilies, adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the chicken perfectly. The addition of melted Monterey Jack cheese brings a delicious gooeyness, while the soft tortillas hold everything together in a perfect bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or for a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

8-10 small flour tortillas
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Assemble Enchiladas: Place a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes to prevent curdling.
- Stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour Sauce Over Enchiladas: Evenly pour the sour cream sauce over the enchiladas in the baking dish.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the shredded chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy: Add extra diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for an added kick.
Different Cheese: Try using a different cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a change of flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking them. Simply cover them with plastic wrap or foil and bake them when ready.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses in this recipe. Cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would work well.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

How do I make the sour cream sauce spicier?

Add extra diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce to increase the spice level.

What other fillings can I add to the enchiladas?

You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, or even beans for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas, but keep in mind that corn tortillas tend to break more easily. Warm them up in the microwave before assembling to make them more pliable.

Can I make these enchiladas gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free tortillas, you can easily make these enchiladas gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making the sour cream sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade sour cream sauce with store-bought enchilada sauce if you prefer.

How do I ensure the enchiladas don’t get soggy?

Make sure you don’t overfill the tortillas and that you don’t add too much sauce on top. It’s also a good idea to bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a golden, crispy top.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe, and it adds a lot of flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are a delicious and easy dish to make for a weeknight dinner or family meal. The creamy white sauce paired with shredded chicken and melted cheese creates a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Whether you make it as written or add your own variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.