White Chicken Enchiladas Flavorful Comfort Dish

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to elevate your dinner routine? White chicken enchiladas are a warm and delicious dish that everyone loves. With creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty flavors, this meal is perfect for any night. I’ll guide you through each step, from mixing your filling to baking those tasty rolls. Let’s dive into this recipe that offers comfort and satisfaction all in one bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Creamy and Delicious: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
  3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or using different types of cheese.
  4. Perfect for Leftovers: These enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them an excellent option for meal prep.

Ingredients

To create delicious white chicken enchiladas, you need some key ingredients. These items come together to make a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone loves. Here’s what you will need:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 cup cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup sour cream

– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

– 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies

– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

– 8 small flour tortillas

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

– Sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)

You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and creaminess. The shredded chicken brings protein, while the cream cheese and sour cream create a rich base. Monterey Jack cheese adds a cheesy texture.

Diced green chilies give a hint of spice. Taco seasoning adds depth and warmth. Tortillas hold the filling together, making each bite a delight. Chicken broth keeps the enchiladas moist as they bake. Olive oil helps the broth mix well with the other ingredients.

For garnishes, cilantro adds freshness, and jalapeños can spice it up if you like. These ingredients will help you make a comforting dish that is both simple and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheating the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking.

2. Mixing the filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything blends well. This mixture brings all the flavors together.

3. Preparing the tortillas

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step helps the tortillas become soft and easy to roll. If they are too stiff, they may crack when you roll them.

4. Assembling the enchiladas

Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla. Carefully roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly together.

5. Adding broth and baking

In a small saucepan, heat the chicken broth and olive oil together. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled enchiladas. Top with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should bubble and turn slightly golden. After baking, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Ensuring the tortillas stay pliable

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Avoid overheating them. If they tear, they won’t hold the filling well.

Mixing the filling for optimal flavor

Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and green chilies in a bowl. Add taco seasoning and half the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until smooth. This blend gives the enchiladas a creamy texture and rich taste.

Tips for even baking

Pour the chicken broth and olive oil over the enchiladas before baking. This keeps them moist. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. Remove the foil later to let the cheese brown.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing options (sides and drinks)

Serve these enchiladas with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice. A side of black beans works well too. For drinks, try a light beer or a refreshing limeade. Both complement the flavors nicely.

Presentation ideas for a festive look

Garnish the enchiladas with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños. This adds color and freshness. Serve on a colorful plate to make the dish pop. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
  2. Add More Veggies: Consider adding sautéed bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
  3. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like Pepper Jack or Cheddar for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
  4. Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake for a stress-free meal.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

Alternative cheeses: You can swap Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack. This gives a new taste.

Vegetarian options: Replace chicken with black beans or mushrooms for a meat-free dish. They work well with the creamy sauce.

Spice adjustments: If you like heat, add more taco seasoning or diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also use a spicy cheese mix.

Different Cooking Methods

Slow cooker version: Combine all the filling ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. After cooking, roll the mixture in tortillas and bake as usual.

Instant Pot adaptation: Cook the chicken in the Instant Pot with broth. Use the sauté mode to mix the filling. Assemble the enchiladas and bake as per the original recipe. This method saves time and is easy!

Storage Info

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating leftovers: Place leftover enchiladas in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This keeps them fresh and tasty.

Freezing tips for enchiladas: To freeze enchiladas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips

Best practices for reheating leftovers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Cover with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot.

Avoiding soggy tortillas: To prevent soggy tortillas, do not add too much liquid when reheating. The broth is great, but just a little goes a long way. Keep the foil on until the last few minutes to let the top get bubbly without soaking the bottom.

FAQs

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Both options add creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt will give a lighter touch, while cottage cheese adds texture.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños to the filling or top the enchiladas with hot salsa. You could also use spicy taco seasoning for extra heat. Another option is to mix in some cayenne pepper.

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these enchiladas a day in advance. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake them when you’re ready to enjoy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What is the best way to serve white chicken enchiladas?

Serve the enchiladas hot, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños. A side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad pairs well. You can also add a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole for more flavor.

You now have a complete guide to making delicious white chicken enchiladas. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and storage info. You learned how to customize recipes for different tastes and cooking methods. I hope you feel ready to create your own tasty dish. Experiment, enjoy, and share with family and friends. Happy cookin

To create delicious white chicken enchiladas, you need some key ingredients. These items come together to make a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone loves. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 8 small flour tortillas - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick) You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and creaminess. The shredded chicken brings protein, while the cream cheese and sour cream create a rich base. Monterey Jack cheese adds a cheesy texture. Diced green chilies give a hint of spice. Taco seasoning adds depth and warmth. Tortillas hold the filling together, making each bite a delight. Chicken broth keeps the enchiladas moist as they bake. Olive oil helps the broth mix well with the other ingredients. For garnishes, cilantro adds freshness, and jalapeños can spice it up if you like. These ingredients will help you make a comforting dish that is both simple and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking. 2. Mixing the filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything blends well. This mixture brings all the flavors together. 3. Preparing the tortillas Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step helps the tortillas become soft and easy to roll. If they are too stiff, they may crack when you roll them. 4. Assembling the enchiladas Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla. Carefully roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly together. 5. Adding broth and baking In a small saucepan, heat the chicken broth and olive oil together. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled enchiladas. Top with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should bubble and turn slightly golden. After baking, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. - Ensuring the tortillas stay pliable Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Avoid overheating them. If they tear, they won't hold the filling well. - Mixing the filling for optimal flavor Combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and green chilies in a bowl. Add taco seasoning and half the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until smooth. This blend gives the enchiladas a creamy texture and rich taste. - Tips for even baking Pour the chicken broth and olive oil over the enchiladas before baking. This keeps them moist. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. Remove the foil later to let the cheese brown. - Pairing options (sides and drinks) Serve these enchiladas with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice. A side of black beans works well too. For drinks, try a light beer or a refreshing limeade. Both complement the flavors nicely. - Presentation ideas for a festive look Garnish the enchiladas with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños. This adds color and freshness. Serve on a colorful plate to make the dish pop. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Add More Veggies: Consider adding sautéed bell peppers or onions to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like Pepper Jack or Cheddar for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake for a stress-free meal. {{image_2}} - Alternative cheeses: You can swap Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack. This gives a new taste. - Vegetarian options: Replace chicken with black beans or mushrooms for a meat-free dish. They work well with the creamy sauce. - Spice adjustments: If you like heat, add more taco seasoning or diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also use a spicy cheese mix. - Slow cooker version: Combine all the filling ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. After cooking, roll the mixture in tortillas and bake as usual. - Instant Pot adaptation: Cook the chicken in the Instant Pot with broth. Use the sauté mode to mix the filling. Assemble the enchiladas and bake as per the original recipe. This method saves time and is easy! - Refrigerating leftovers: Place leftover enchiladas in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. - Freezing tips for enchiladas: To freeze enchiladas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Best practices for reheating leftovers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist. Cover with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. - Avoiding soggy tortillas: To prevent soggy tortillas, do not add too much liquid when reheating. The broth is great, but just a little goes a long way. Keep the foil on until the last few minutes to let the top get bubbly without soaking the bottom. You can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Both options add creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt will give a lighter touch, while cottage cheese adds texture. Add chopped jalapeños to the filling or top the enchiladas with hot salsa. You could also use spicy taco seasoning for extra heat. Another option is to mix in some cayenne pepper. Yes, you can prepare these enchiladas a day in advance. Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake them when you're ready to enjoy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Serve the enchiladas hot, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños. A side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad pairs well. You can also add a drizzle of sour cream or guacamole for more flavor. You now have a complete guide to making delicious white chicken enchiladas. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and storage info. You learned how to customize recipes for different tastes and cooking methods. I hope you feel ready to create your own tasty dish. Experiment, enjoy, and share with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas

Delicious enchiladas filled with creamy chicken and topped with melted cheese.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 can diced green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • optional sliced jalapeños (for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until well combined.
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable.
  • Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into each tortilla, and carefully roll it up, placing the seam side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a small saucepan, heat the chicken broth and olive oil together. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled enchiladas.
  • Top the enchiladas with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Add jalapeños for extra spice.
Keyword chicken, creamy, enchiladas, Mexican

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?