Irresistible Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce deliver a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast that will tantalize your taste buds.
Tender shredded chicken nestles inside soft tortillas, smothered in a silky, rich white sauce that adds a luxurious touch to every bite.
The blend of spices and smooth sour cream creates a harmonious dance of textures and flavors that elevates this classic dish.
Each enchilada promises a comforting warmth and depth that speaks to the heart of home cooking.
Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese on top provide the perfect finishing touch to this irresistible meal.
Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this delectable recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce
For Protein:
Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender, juicy base that brings hearty flavor and fills enchiladas with succulent meat; rotisserie chicken offers convenient, pre-seasoned option for quick preparation.
Chicken Broth: Provides rich liquid foundation for sauce and enhances overall chicken flavor profile.
For Cheese and Dairy:
Monterey Jack Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy, melty components that create luxurious texture and tangy richness; choose full-fat versions for best taste and smooth consistency.
For Sauce and Binding:
Butter, All-Purpose Flour: Classic roux-making ingredients that thicken white sauce and deliver silky, elegant base.
Diced Green Chilies: Adds subtle heat and bright, zesty undertone to sauce; select fire-roasted variety for deeper flavor.
For Wrapping:
Soft Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrappers that hold enchilada filling; warm slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and improve flexibility.
Tools for Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining chicken and cheese with ease.
9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for arranging and baking enchiladas evenly.
Saucepan: Needed to create the smooth, creamy white sauce.
Whisk or wooden spoon: Crucial for stirring flour, broth, and preventing lumps.
Cheese grater: Helps shred Monterey Jack cheese quickly.
Sharp knife: For chopping green chilies and preparing ingredients.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
How to Prepare Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce
Oven Preparation Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for our delicious enchiladas.
Chicken Filling Mix shredded chicken with cheese, creating a mouthwatering blend that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
Tortilla Rolling Gently wrap the chicken-cheese mixture inside soft tortillas, tucking each one carefully into a baking dish like a delicious blanket.
Magical White Sauce In a pan, transform butter and flour into a silky base, then slowly invite chicken broth to join the party, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Sauce Transformation Stir in sour cream and green chilies, creating a velvety sauce that will make these enchiladas irresistible.
Final Touch Drizzle the luscious sauce over the rolled tortillas, then crown with a sprinkle of extra cheese for a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Baking Finish Slide the dish into the oven and let the magic happen until the top turns golden and the edges become slightly crispy.
Tips to Improve Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce
Expert Tips & Tasty Twists
Swap chicken with tender shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for a delicious protein variation that keeps the meal exciting and versatile.
Adjust green chili heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties, or replace with roasted poblano peppers for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco to create unique flavor layers that transform the classic enchilada experience.
Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake and enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.
Top finished enchiladas with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips to add crunch and brighten the overall presentation and taste.
Serving Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce
Fiesta Night Feast: Perfect for sharing these chicken enchiladas with friends and family during game nights or casual dinner gatherings.
Southwestern Comfort Platter: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, and a zesty fresh salsa to create a complete and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor.
Garnish Extravaganza: Top with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of additional sour cream to enhance presentation and add bright, tangy notes that complement the creamy white sauce.
Spice Level Customization: Offer hot sauce or diced jalapeños on the side, allowing guests to adjust the heat according to their personal spice preferences and enjoy a personalized dining experience.
Storing Chicken Enchiladas for Later Use
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Wrap individual portions with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent potential flavor transfer.
Quick Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating by rotating midway.
Freezing Friendly Option: Prepare enchiladas without baking, then wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Raw enchiladas can stay frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
Portion Control Hack: Divide the batch into smaller meal-sized containers before refrigerating or freezing. This method allows easy defrosting of exact quantities needed, reducing food waste and providing convenient grab-and-go meals for busy days.
Mexican chicken enchiladas deliver creamy comfort through a rich sour cream white sauce that blends traditional flavors. Delicious layers of seasoned chicken, tortillas, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack positioned in the middle for uniform heating.
Filling Creation: Shred cooked chicken into delicate strands, then blend thoroughly with Monterey Jack cheese to create a cohesive, flavorful mixture.
Tortilla Assembly: Warm tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility, then carefully distribute chicken-cheese filling along the center, rolling into neat, compact cylinders.
Dish Arrangement: Position rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring snug placement.
Sauce Development: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, then gradually incorporate chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Sauce Refinement: Cook sauce until it reaches a silky, thick consistency, then remove from heat and gently fold in sour cream and green chilies for a creamy, vibrant finish.
Final Preparation: Drench enchiladas with the luxurious white sauce, generously top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
Notes
Warm Tortillas Trick: Softly heating tortillas prevents cracking and makes rolling smoother, ensuring perfect enchilada shape without breaking.
Cheese Distribution Secret: Mix cheese thoroughly with shredded chicken to guarantee every bite has balanced, delicious flavor throughout the filling.
Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk continuously while adding broth to create a silky, lump-free sauce that coats enchiladas perfectly without clumping.
Melting Cheese Technique: Sprinkle cheese evenly and watch closely during final baking to achieve that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly top without burning.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.