Introduction
White chicken enchiladas offer a fresh and creamy twist on traditional enchiladas that usually feature red chili sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine in a simple, approachable way.
The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce made with cream cheese and sour cream, and melted cheese wrapped in warm tortillas creates a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Unlike the classic enchiladas that often use tomato-based sauces, white chicken enchiladas bring a smooth, slightly tangy, and cheesy flavor profile that many people find irresistible.
This recipe is especially great for busy weeknights because it does not require complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. You can prepare this dish ahead of time, bake it when you are ready to eat, and enjoy a hearty meal that feels like a special treat.
Whether you are cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just want a delicious dinner that is easy to make, this recipe fits the bill. In addition, white chicken enchiladas are very versatile, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you will need simple ingredients that come together beautifully to make the sauce creamy and flavorful. Start with cooked shredded chicken as your main protein. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly cook chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
The creamy white sauce is made with cream cheese and sour cream, which give it richness and tang. Chicken broth helps to thin the sauce so it is pourable and coats the enchiladas perfectly. You will also need green chilies, which add a mild spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
For seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper are used to enhance the flavor without adding complexity. Flour tortillas are best because they stay soft and wrap nicely around the filling.
Lastly, shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts well and gives a smooth, cheesy finish that pulls everything together. A small amount of olive oil is used to grease the baking dish so the enchiladas do not stick.
Here is an easy table summarizing the ingredients and approximate calorie count for the entire recipe. Keep in mind that the calories may vary slightly depending on the brand and exact measurements used:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked shredded chicken | 3 cups | 375 |
| Flour tortillas | 8 medium | 600 |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (1 block) | 800 |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | 450 |
| Shredded Monterey Jack cheese | 2 cups | 720 |
| Green chilies (canned) | 1 can (4 oz) | 40 |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | 15 |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | 8 |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp | 4 |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | 2 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
Read More: Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so it is ready when your enchiladas are assembled.
Preparing the sauce is simple and can be done in a large mixing bowl. Combine the cream cheese and sour cream first, stirring until smooth and creamy. Then add the chicken broth gradually while mixing to thin out the sauce. This creates a perfect consistency that will coat the chicken filling nicely.
Stir in the diced green chilies for a mild heat and flavor. Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the sauce mixture, blending well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
The next step is to fold the cooked shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the sauce. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure the chicken is coated with the creamy sauce and cheese.
Warm the flour tortillas slightly before filling them. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds or warming them in a skillet for a few seconds on each side. This softens the tortillas and makes them easier to roll without tearing.
Grease the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the dish. This helps to keep the enchiladas moist while baking.
Place about half a cup of the chicken mixture on each tortilla, roll tightly, and arrange them seam side down in the baking dish in a single layer.
After all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish, pour the remaining sauce over the top to cover them completely. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Removing the foil after this time allows the cheese on top to brown and bubble nicely.
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and melted. Once done, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the sauce set slightly and makes them easier to serve.
Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this white chicken enchiladas recipe is how easy it is to customize according to your taste preferences.
If you enjoy a bit more heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of green chilies. A pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the sauce will also give a nice spicy kick without overwhelming the flavors.
To boost the nutrition and add texture, consider mixing in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or fresh spinach with the chicken filling.
For a lighter version, substitute low fat cream cheese and sour cream or use Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess but reduce calories.
You can also swap out Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or pepper jack cheese depending on what you have on hand or the flavor you prefer.
If you follow a gluten free diet, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Just make sure to warm them gently to prevent cracking.
You can also add toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving for extra freshness.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes approximately eight servings, and each serving offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
On average, each serving contains around 380 calories. You get about 30 grams of protein from the chicken and cheese, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
Carbohydrates come mainly from the flour tortillas, totaling around 25 grams per serving. The fats come from the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, providing roughly 20 grams of fat per serving.
This combination makes the dish hearty and satisfying. The fiber content is moderate at about 2 grams per serving, mostly from the tortillas and any added veggies.
Sodium levels are about 550 milligrams per serving, so if you are watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the salt or use low sodium chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
White chicken enchiladas pair wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes.
Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice are great accompaniments that add a fresh citrus note to balance the creamy enchiladas.
A side of black beans or refried beans provides additional protein and fiber to round out the meal.
Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats that complement the cheesy filling.
For a lighter side, a simple green salad tossed with a lime vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness.
Top the enchiladas with sour cream, fresh salsa, or chopped cilantro to add a burst of flavor and a little extra moisture.
For an extra special meal, serve with warm corn chips or a margarita to celebrate the flavors.
Read More: Quick Buffalo Chicken Casserole for Busy Nights
Conclusion
Easy white chicken enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that anyone can make with just a few simple ingredients and steps.
The creamy sauce made with cream cheese and sour cream gives the enchiladas a smooth texture and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with tender shredded chicken and melted cheese.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family with minimal effort.
It is versatile and easy to customize to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Whether you prefer spicy or mild, loaded with veggies or simple and classic, white chicken enchiladas deliver flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy, cheesy meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household.