White Chicken Enchiladas are like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with creamy goodness and a hint of spice. Imagine tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a luscious white sauce that dances with flavors, while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising to delight your taste buds.
Every time I whip up this dish, I’m reminded of those cozy family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone is too busy enjoying their meal to argue over the last piece. White Chicken Enchiladas were always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for taco Tuesdays or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Trust me when I say, once you try these enchiladas, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These White Chicken Enchiladas make meal prep a breeze, especially on busy weeknights.
- The creamy sauce balances perfectly with tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas.
- Visually appealing and comforting, they are perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Plus, they can easily be customized to fit anyone’s taste preferences!
Ingredients for White Chicken Enchiladas
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; they cook evenly and are easy to shred.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic adds an aromatic punch to the filling.
- Flour Tortillas: Opt for large tortillas so they can hold all that delicious filling without tearing.
- Cream Cheese: This will add creaminess to your filling and help bind everything together.
- Shredded Cheese: A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar gives a rich flavor and great melty texture.
For the Sauce:
- Canned Green Chiles: These add a mild heat and depth of flavor; look for a brand that suits your spice tolerance.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; it enhances the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
- Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce; feel free to swap with Greek yogurt if you prefer!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish (9×13 inches works great) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook Your Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side), then let them cool slightly before shredding.
Step 3: Prepare Your Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, minced garlic, cream cheese, and half of your shredded cheese. Give it all a good mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread some of the sauce (made from combining green chiles, chicken broth, and sour cream) at the bottom of your baking dish. Take each tortilla, fill it with about two tablespoons of your chicken mixture, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Step 5: Cover with Sauce
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of all rolled enchiladas, ensuring each one is generously covered. Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese over everything because we all know cheese makes everything better!
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every creamy bite as you savor this delightful dish that brings warmth and joy to any table!
You Must Know
- This delightful white chicken enchiladas recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a fiesta.
- With creamy sauces and tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, it’s a family favorite.
- Plus, the leftovers (if any) are just as scrumptious, making it perfect for meal prep.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling or shredding your chicken, then sauté onions and garlic while preheating your oven. Assemble each tortilla with chicken and sauce, then bake until bubbly. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and brings out maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shredded beef or even black beans for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses, or throw in some jalapeños for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover white chicken enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain that cheesy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always shred your chicken while it’s warm; it makes for easier handling and better texture.
- Don’t skip the sauce; it keeps the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
- If you have extra sauce, drizzle it on top before baking for added richness.
Cooking these enchiladas always reminds me of that one family gathering where everyone went back for thirds—who knew that cheesy goodness could create such joyous chaos?
FAQs:
What are White Chicken Enchiladas?
White chicken enchiladas are a delicious Mexican dish that features shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a creamy white sauce. This dish typically includes ingredients like sour cream, green chilies, and cheese, making it rich and flavorful. The combination of tender chicken and a luscious sauce makes these enchiladas a favorite among many. They are perfect for serving at family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
How do I make the sauce for White Chicken Enchiladas?
To create the sauce for white chicken enchiladas, start by melting butter in a saucepan. Add flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and sour cream until smooth. Incorporating green chilies adds flavor and mild heat. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, then pour it over your assembled enchiladas before baking. This creamy sauce is key to achieving that irresistible taste.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for White Chicken Enchiladas?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for making white chicken enchiladas. It saves time while still providing tender, flavorful meat. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and mix it with spices before rolling it into tortillas. This method allows you to enjoy homemade enchiladas without extensive prep work, making it perfect for busy evenings.
What can I serve with White Chicken Enchiladas?
White chicken enchiladas pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Traditional options include Mexican rice and refried beans, which complement the creamy flavors of the enchiladas. You can also serve a fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing or tortilla chips with salsa for added crunch. These sides enhance the meal’s overall experience and provide balance to the richness of the dish.
Conclusion for White Chicken Enchiladas:
In summary, white chicken enchiladas offer a delightful blend of flavors, combining shredded chicken with a creamy sauce that satisfies any palate. They are easy to prepare and can be made using rotisserie chicken for convenience. Pair them with complementary sides to elevate your dining experience. Whether for family dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas are sure to impress everyone at the table!
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These comforting white chicken enchiladas are filled with tender chicken and smothered in a creamy sauce, making them the perfect family favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 can (4 oz) canned green chiles
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, minced garlic, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine canned green chiles, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Spread a layer of sauce at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Take each tortilla and fill it with about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are generously covered.
- Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for quick preparation. Customize with different cheeses or add jalapeños for extra heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Leave a Comment