Mexican Comfort Food

Are you craving a comforting and flavorful Mexican dish that the whole family will love? Look no further than Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy white sauce. It will have your taste buds dancing¹. The recipe yields an approximate calorie count of 555kcal per serving¹, making it a satisfying option for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend feast.

Discover this creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe that’s ready in under an hour. Packed with tender chicken, melty cheese, and homemade sauce for the perfect comfort meal

Key Takeaways

• Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a popular Mexican-inspired dish with a delicious creamy white sauce.
• The recipe is easy to make and can be ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Each serving contains a balance of macronutrients, including 43g of protein, 21g of carbohydrates, and 34g of fat¹.
• The dish can be customized with various toppings and side dishes to suit your taste preferences.
• Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

What Are White Chicken Enchiladas?

White Chicken Enchiladas are a tasty twist on the classic Mexican dish. They use a creamy white sauce instead of the usual red sauce. This version is a favorite in Mexican cuisine, offering a rich and indulgent taste compared to enchiladas with white sauce².

Origins of the Dish

The roots of White Chicken Enchiladas come from Tex-Mex, a mix of Mexican and American flavors. It likely started as a way to offer a creamy twist on the classic cheesy enchiladas popular in the U.S³..

Key Ingredients

The main parts of White Chicken Enchiladas are flour tortillas, shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and a creamy white sauce. The sauce is made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and sour cream². Some recipes add diced green chiles or Adobo for extra flavor³.

Common Variations

Some recipes use corn tortillas instead of flour. Others add different cheeses, like Pepper Jack, for a spicier taste². You can also add other veggies or proteins to make it your own³.

“White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.”

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Ingredients for the White Chicken Enchiladas

Making delicious white chicken enchiladas needs the right ingredients. This dish is loved by all, great for weeknights or casual get-togethers⁴.

Protein Options

The recipe uses shredded cooked chicken. You can make it with a handheld or stand-up mixer⁴. Rotisserie, homemade poached, or leftover grilled chicken works well as the main protein⁴.

Sauces and Spices

The creamy sauce is a mix of butter, flour, chicken broth, and sour cream⁴. You can choose mild or hotter chilies, or fire-roasted ones⁴. Monterey Jack cheese is best, as it adds flavor and keeps the sauce white⁴.

Optional Toppings

For extra flavor and look, add Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, or cilantro⁴. You can use flour or corn tortillas, whichever you like⁵.

With these ingredients, you’ll make a tasty baked enchilada casserole. It’s perfect for satisfying your chicken dinner cravings⁴⁵.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make tasty quick weeknight meals like easy enchilada recipe, you need the right tools. For white chicken enchiladas, you’ll need a few key items:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish⁶
• A medium saucepan for the creamy sauce
• A whisk for smooth sauce blending
• Mixing bowls for the filling
• Measuring cups and spoons for exact portions
• A cheese grater, if using fresh cheese

For easy cleanup, use a deep glass baking dish⁶. You’ll also need a skillet or frying pan for the sauce⁶.

Baking Dish Requirements

The 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for white chicken enchiladas⁶. It gives enough room for the tortillas without crowding. Choose a glass or ceramic dish for even heat and easy cleaning.

“Having the right tools on hand can make all the difference when preparing a quick weeknight meal like this easy enchilada recipe.”

How to Prepare the Chicken

To make tasty chicken dinner ideas and easy enchilada recipe, start by preparing the chicken right. You can choose from a few ways to cook the chicken for your white chicken enchiladas.

Cooking Methods

Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy option. It’s already cooked and shredded, saving you time⁷. You can also roast a chicken yourself. Just drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and roast at 375°F for 35-45 minutes until done⁷. Or, boil the chicken breasts until they’re tender, about 20 minutes.

Shredding Techniques

After cooking the chicken, it’s time to shred it. The simplest way is to use two forks to pull the meat apart into small pieces⁷. For a faster method, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken⁷.

Now that the chicken is ready, you can start making the white chicken enchiladas. This will help you create a tasty easy enchilada recipe.

Making the Creamy Sauce

The secret to amazing enchiladas with white sauce is the creamy sauce. This sauce makes the cheesy enchiladas even more delicious.

Ingredients for the Sauce

You’ll need a few things to make the creamy sauce: unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, chicken broth, sour cream, and diced green chiles⁸.

Step-by-Step Sauce Preparation

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This makes a roux, which thickens the sauce⁹.

Pour in the chicken broth slowly, whisking all the time. This keeps the sauce smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the sour cream and green chiles until it’s creamy⁹.

Don’t let the sauce boil, as it can get grainy⁹. Keep it simmering gently until it’s the right thickness and creaminess.

Now that the creamy sauce is ready, you can make your enchiladas with white sauce. The sauce’s rich texture will make your dish a true treat.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Getting ready for a easy enchilada recipe or baked enchilada casserole means putting together the ingredients carefully. First, mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese¹⁰. Then, fill each flour tortilla with the chicken mix. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish¹¹.

Make sure to fit all the rolled enchiladas snugly in the dish¹⁰.

After that, pour the creamy sauce over the enchiladas. This will coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese, about 1 1/2 cups, on top¹⁰. This will make a tasty, melty layer that goes well with the filling.

Filling the Tortillas

• Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mix onto the center of each tortilla.
• Gently roll the tortilla around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go.
• Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish.

Rolling Techniques

1. Make sure the tortillas are warm and easy to bend before filling and rolling.
2. Roll the enchiladas tightly but not too tight, so the filling can expand.
3. Arrange the rolled enchiladas snugly in the baking dish to prevent them from unraveling.

By following these steps, you’ll have a pan full of white chicken enchiladas ready to bake to perfection¹⁰¹¹.

Baking Your Enchiladas

To bake your white chicken enchiladas, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C)¹². This heat makes sure the enchiladas are hot and the sauce bubbles up. Bake them for 20-25 minutes to avoid overcooking¹².

For a golden-brown top, broil them for 1-2 minutes after baking¹². These quick meals are ready in under 45 minutes, great for busy nights.

Ideal Oven Temperature

The oven should be at 350°F (177°C) for perfect enchiladas. This temperature heats them well and makes the sauce bubbly. It prevents the filling from drying out and the tortillas from burning.

Cooking Time Recommendations

Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes¹². This time lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken. The tortillas will also soften¹³.

If you want a golden top, broil them for 1-2 minutes more¹². With a total time under 45 minutes, these meals are easy to make.

“These enchiladas are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. The baking time ensures they’re piping hot and ready to enjoy on a busy weeknight.”

How to Serve White Chicken Enchiladas

After baking your white chicken enchiladas, it’s time to serve them. For a great look, plate them warm and top with green onions or cilantro¹⁴. This adds color and boosts the flavors¹⁴.

To make a complete meal, serve the enchiladas with some tasty sides. Try creamy Crock Pot Refried Beans, fluffy 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice, or a fresh salad¹⁵. For a full Mexican feast, add charro beans, jalapeño cornbread, Mexican Corn Salad, or a Southwest Salad¹⁵.

Pairing your enchiladas with these sides makes a meal everyone will love¹⁵. The mix of creamy enchiladas and various sides brings a real Mexican taste to your table¹⁵.

Storing Leftover Enchiladas

After enjoying creamy white chicken enchiladas, you might have leftovers. Don’t worry, these leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later for a quick weeknight meal¹⁶.

Refrigeration Tips

To store leftover white chicken enchiladas, put them in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate for 3-4 days¹⁶. For longer storage, freeze the stuffed enchiladas without sauce for up to 3 months¹⁷. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge and make the sauce fresh before baking.

Reheating Methods

Reheating leftover enchiladas is easy. Just microwave them until hot, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes¹⁶. This way, your enchiladas will be hot and the cheese will be melted, perfect for a quick meal.

“Leftover enchiladas are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors as the day you made them.”

By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade white chicken enchiladas again. Enjoy your leftovers guilt-free, knowing you have a tasty meal ready.

Nutrition Information

Family-friendly dishes like creamy white chicken enchiladas are loved by many. But, it’s key to look at their nutritional value¹⁸.

Caloric Breakdown

A single serving (2 enchiladas) of the Creamy White Chicken Enchilada Bowls recipe has 452 calories. It includes 50g of protein, 28g of carbs, and 16g of fat¹⁸. The calorie count can vary from 500 to 900 per serving, depending on the recipe and ingredients¹⁸.

Healthier Ingredient Substitutions

To make a healthier version, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat sour cream. You can also cut down on cheese and choose whole wheat tortillas over flour tortillas¹⁸. Switching to low-sodium chicken broth can also reduce sodium in the enchiladas¹⁸.

By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy creamy white chicken enchiladas while choosing healthier ingredients¹⁸. The exact nutritional values will depend on the ingredients and portion sizes used¹⁸.

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

To make your White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe stand out, follow these tips. Start by seasoning the chicken well with spices and herbs. This adds deep flavors²⁰. Also, fire-roasted green chiles add a smoky taste to the filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the enchiladas, don’t overfill the tortillas. This can cause them to tear and make a mess²⁰. Also, let the creamy sauce cool a bit before adding sour cream. This prevents it from curdling²⁰.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

To improve the taste, mix cheeses like Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack²⁰. This mix of cheeses adds a creamy, spicy touch. But, don’t overdo the sauce. Too much can make the enchiladas soggy²⁰. Serve them right after baking for the best taste.

Source Links

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2. Easy White Chicken Enchiladas – https://www.thecountrycook.net/creamy-chicken-enchiladas/
3. White Chicken Enchiladas Are a Drummond Family Favorite – https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11534/white-chicken-enchiladas/
4. White Chicken Enchiladas – https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/white-chicken-enchiladas/
5. White Chicken Enchiladas – https://whatsmomcookin.com/white-chicken-enchiladas/
6. White Chicken Enchiladas – https://iamhomesteader.com/white-chicken-enchiladas/
7. White Chicken Enchiladas  – https://sailorbailey.com/blog/white-chicken-enchiladas/
8. Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas – https://www.thechunkychef.com/creamy-white-chicken-enchiladas/
9. Creamy Chicken Enchiladas – https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-enchiladas/af826522-e1f8-4e4b-97df-6073efbfcdde
10. Recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas – https://sweetcsdesigns.com/white-chicken-enchiladas/
11. White Chicken Enchiladas – Nutrient Matters – https://nutrient-matters.com/recipe/white-chicken-enchiladas/
12. These White Chicken Enchiladas are my absolute favorite enchilada recipe. They are creamy, cheesy and lip smacking delicious! – https://thepounddropper.com/white-chicken-enchiladas/
13. Chicken Enchiladas – https://thecozycook.com/chicken-enchiladas/
14. White Chicken Enchiladas – Eat. Drink. Love. – https://eat-drink-love.com/white-chicken-enchiladas/
15. What to Serve with Chicken Enchiladas (35 Easy Sides) – The Hearty Life – https://theheartylife.org/what-to-serve-with-chicken-enchiladas-35-easy-sides/
16. Chicken Enchiladas – Two Peas & Their Pod – https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/chicken-enchiladas/
17. Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas – Carolina Charm – https://www.northcarolinacharm.com/rotisserie-chicken-enchiladas/
18. Creamy White Chicken Enchilada Bowls – Stay Fit Mom – https://stayfitmom.com/creamy-white-chicken-enchilada-bowls/
19. Healthy Low Carb Chicken Enchilada Recipe | Food Faith Fitness – https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/healthy-chicken-enchilada-recipe/
20. Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Enchiladas – https://www.fivehearthome.com/creamy-jalapeno-dip-chicken-enchiladas-chuys-copycat-recipe/