Name: Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 teaspoons taco seasoning; 1 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded; 8 tortillas (ChiChi’s Corn & Flour Tortillas Enchilada size preferred); ¼ cup butter; ¼ cup flour; 15 ounces chicken broth; 1 cup sour cream; 4 ounces green chilis, 1 can chopped

If you’re searching for a truly comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner, look no further than this Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a delightful marriage of tender shredded chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, smothered in a luscious sour cream sauce dotted with green chilis, and crowned with ooey-gooey melted cheese. Every bite explodes with creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy goodness that feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food. This recipe is simple but deeply satisfying, making it a fantastic meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of clear glass bowls with different ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is one larger bowl at the back filled with shredded light beige chicken. In front of it, there is a medium bowl with shredded orange cheese, and another similarly sized bowl with a bright green chunky sauce. To the left, one medium bowl contains chopped white onions, and a smaller bowl has a pale yellow stick of butter. Next to the butter is another small bowl with reddish brown powder. On the right side, a medium bowl is filled with white sour cream, and a tiny bowl holds yellow oil. Behind all the bowls are three white flour tortillas stacked on a gray and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe so special is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and irresistible texture. From tender shredded chicken to that creamy sour cream sauce and melty cheese, every element adds something unique to the final dish.

1 pound Chicken, cooked and shredded: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites throughout the enchiladas.
1 tablespoon Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions, adding a subtle richness and helping build the base flavor.
1 Onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked until soft and translucent.
2 teaspoons Taco Seasoning: Brings that signature southwestern spice to the chicken filling.
1 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded: Creamy, mild, and perfect for melting, this cheese ties the whole dish together.
8 Tortillas, enchilada size: I love ChiChi’s Corn & Flour Tortillas for the perfect balance of softness and structure.
¼ cup Butter: Used to create the roux that thickens the luscious sour cream sauce.
¼ cup Flour: Works with the butter to make the base for the creamy sauce—no lumps allowed!
15 ounces Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
1 cup Sour cream: The creamy heart of the sauce that adds tang and richness.
4 ounces Green chilis, canned chopped: Give a slight kick and brightness without overwhelming the dish.

TIP

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

How to Make Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by shredding your cooked chicken; this is the base of your enchiladas and will soak up all the delicious flavors. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onions until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly. Allow this mixture to warm through on low heat, so the seasoning evenly flavors every bite.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Take one tortilla and spoon roughly one-eighth of the warm chicken mixture onto its center. Sprinkle about one-eighth of the shredded Colby Jack cheese atop the chicken for an extra cheesy surprise inside each roll. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and snugly arranged in the baking dish—this little assembly line is as fun as it is satisfying!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook for one full minute to create a flavorful roux, which thickens your sauce without lumps. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the sour cream and chopped green chilis, creating a tangy, creamy sauce that adds incredible moisture and flavor when poured over the enchiladas.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in your baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully and the enchiladas are heated through. Get ready for the enticing aroma to fill your kitchen—it’s almost dinner time!

How to Serve Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe experience, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness and contrast that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a simple Mexican rice or a refreshing side salad with avocado and tomatoes. If you want to keep things authentic, a side of refried beans or black beans also complements the rich flavor of the dish perfectly and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by baking your enchiladas in individual ramekins for personal servings, or try topping them with pickled jalapeños and sliced radishes for a colorful, crunchy twist. Garnishing with a drizzle of tangy salsa verde or smoky chipotle sauce can add another flavorful layer to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, transfer any leftover enchiladas into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld nicely overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Prepare and assemble the enchiladas but skip the baking step. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

For reheating, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350-degree oven until heated through, usually about 15–20 minutes. This method keeps the tortillas soft and the cheese melty, just like the first time you served them.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor, making this Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe even easier to prepare.

What if I want to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use dairy-free cheese products. The sauce texture might differ slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Can I substitute the Colby Jack cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, feta, or any Mexican cheese blend works beautifully here. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite cheesy twist on these enchiladas.

Is there a way to add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Adding black beans, white corn, or diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture can boost nutrition and add exciting texture contrasts without overpowering the creamy sauce.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The green chilis add a mild heat, but the overall dish leans more toward creamy and comforting than spicy. You can easily adjust the spice level by using milder or hotter chilis or omitting them entirely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, give this Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe a try. It’s a fantastic mix of creamy, cheesy, and tender chicken all wrapped up in warm tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles at the table and maybe even a request for seconds. Happy cooking!

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need