Craving a rich, flavorful meal that’s easy to make? These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with a luscious white sauce are a game-changer! Packed with tender chicken and topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce, this recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken. Quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious, these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Velvety white sauce with a hint of green chilies.
- Packed with seasoned, cheesy chicken.
- Uses simple pantry staples and leftovers.
- Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy nights.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s great for sharing.
Tools Needed
To whip up these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Missing anything? Check out Our Shop for quality essentials to make cooking a breeze!
- Baking dish: For assembling and baking the enchiladas (Serious Eats guide to top dishes).
- Skillet: To cook the creamy sauce.
- Mixing bowl: For seasoning the chicken filling.
- Spoon: To stir the sauce and fill the tortillas.
- Oven: For that golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious Creamy Chicken Enchiladas:
For the Filling
- 2½ cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ¼ tsp each salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp each cumin and chili powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For the White Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (6 oz) can green chilies (with juice)
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
For Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Chicken Enchiladas:
- Prep the Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Stir well.
- Make the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour, cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, add green chilies and a pinch of salt, and stir until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread a few spoonfuls of sauce in a baking dish. Microwave tortillas for 15 seconds to soften. Fill each with ½-¾ cup chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1¼ cups cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, then broil on low for 1 minute to brown the top. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
- Add flour slowly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Don’t overfill tortillas—keep them easy to roll.
- Resting helps the flavors meld and prevents burns.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the sauce: Simmer just until thickened.
- Skipping the tortilla softening: Makes rolling harder.
- Using too much salt: Cheese and broth add plenty.
Variations
Make these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas your own with these twists:
- Swap green chilies for jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw and bake.
FAQs
- Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, it’s perfect for this recipe! - What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt or more cream cheese works. - Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat gently. - Is the broiling necessary?
No, but it adds a nice golden top. - Can I use a different cheese?
Cheddar or pepper jack are great options.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic, perfect for any night. With a rich white sauce and cheesy filling, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out, and grab kitchen essentials at Our Shop for your next meal!
