Name: Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella); Salt, pepper, Adobo seasoning, to taste; 10 flour tortillas (taco size); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream; 4 ounce can diced green chiles (do not drain); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)

If you’re looking for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner that combines rich flavors with a touch of zest, this Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered with a luscious creamy white sauce enhanced with green chiles, and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese—that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy will make this dish your new weeknight favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top, there is a clear plastic package of white flour tortillas with orange and yellow accents. Below it, there is a clear bowl filled with shredded white cheese, and to the right, a clear bowl full of shredded light beige chicken. Beneath the chicken bowl is a glass measuring cup filled with light brown broth. To the bottom left, small clear bowls hold sour cream (white and creamy), green chopped peppers, a small pat of pale yellow butter, white flour, and two small bowls with pale yellow and black powder seasoning. The colors are soft with creamy whites, soft yellows, neutral browns, and green highlights. The scene is bright and clear, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role to brighten up your plate and deliver layers of flavor and texture. From the tender cooked chicken to the creamy sour cream sauce and the melty Monterey Jack cheese, every item is chosen to make this dish irresistibly delicious.

2 cups shredded, cooked chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a quick and flavorful option.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella): This cheese melts beautifully, giving a smooth, gooey texture to the filling.
Salt, pepper, Adobo seasoning to taste: These seasonings add a perfect savory balance and subtle warmth.
10 flour tortillas (taco size): Soft and pliable to hold the filling without cracking.
3 tablespoons butter: For enriching the creamy sauce’s base with indulgent flavor.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that helps the sauce turn silky and smooth.
2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and moistness to the sauce without overwhelming flavors.
1 cup sour cream: Delivers the creamy tang that makes this white sauce stand out.
4 ounce can diced green chiles (do not drain): Brings a gentle kick and a slight earthiness.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping): Melts on top creating a bubbly, golden crust when baked.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by mixing the shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and season it with salt, pepper, and a dash of Adobo seasoning. This combination creates a flavorful, cheesy filling that’s both hearty and satisfying to stuff inside each tortilla.

Step 2: Roll and Arrange the Enchiladas

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the center of each flour tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place each one seam-side down in a sprayed 9×13-inch baking dish. This method ensures that all the cheesy goodness stays sealed inside while baking.

Step 3: Make the Creamy White Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, cooking it for about a minute without letting it brown—this cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and thickened, then stir in the sour cream and the diced green chiles with their juices. Keep the sauce warm but don’t let it boil, as boiling could cause the sour cream to separate.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the baking dish, ensuring each one gets a generous coating. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and hot throughout. For an extra touch, broil for a minute or two to get golden brown, bubbly cheese edges.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

A clear rectangular glass dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has black grid lines to the left side. Inside the dish are five rolled tortillas, arranged side by side in a single layer, covered generously with a creamy, light beige sauce that has a smooth texture. On top of the sauce, a layer of small mushroom pieces is spread evenly, followed by a thick layer of shredded yellow cheese covering the entire dish. The overall colors are soft whites, light beige, and yellow, creating a rich and creamy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. For a little extra zing, try a few slices of ripe avocado or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. The freshness of these sides complements the savory richness beautifully and offers a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve the enchiladas straight in the baking dish allowing everyone to help themselves. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual enchiladas with a garnish of finely chopped herbs and a drizzle of extra creamy sauce around the edges—a guaranteed wow factor for dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually develop more, making day-two leftovers just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze these enchiladas before baking by assembling them in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly, and freezing for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent excess browning, or remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheesy topping. Microwave works too but may soften the tortilla slightly.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can swap in corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but be sure to warm them first to avoid cracking when rolling.

Is it necessary to use both cheese in the filling and on top?

Using cheese in the filling adds gooey creaminess inside the enchiladas, while the cheese on top creates a delicious golden crust—both are key to the overall texture and flavor.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

This recipe has a mild kick thanks to the green chiles, which add subtle heat without overpowering the creamy sauce, making it great for those who enjoy a gentle spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans, and use vegetable broth to keep the creamy sauce rich and satisfying.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt as a tangy and creamy alternative, or even cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a heartwarming dish that combines simplicity with flavors that dance on your palate. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese create a comfort meal you’ll want to revisit time and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making this delightful recipe—your taste buds will thank you!

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need