White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas Flavorful and Easy Meal

If you love a simple yet tasty meal, you’ll adore my White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy white sauce, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. In this post, I’ll walk you through each step, share tips for the best results, and even explore fun variations. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 8 small corn tortillas

– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

– 1 cup sour cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

For these white sauce chicken enchiladas, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Start with cooked chicken. You can use any chicken you like. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great. This saves time and adds a nice flavor.

Next, get small corn tortillas. These hold the filling well and add a lovely texture. Then, grab Monterey Jack cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and gives a creamy taste.

Sour cream adds richness to your sauce. You will also need chicken broth. This keeps your sauce smooth. Cream cheese is key for that creamy texture.

Seasonings are important too. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika bring depth to your dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Lastly, use fresh cilantro as a garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste.

Now, you have all the ingredients to create tasty white sauce chicken enchiladas. This meal is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the enchiladas cook evenly.

2. Combine chicken and seasonings in a medium bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken, half a cup of Monterey Jack cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.

3. Prepare the white sauce in a separate bowl. Add 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Assembling Enchiladas

1. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture. Take each corn tortilla and add 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mix in the center. Make sure not to overfill.

2. Roll and place in baking dish. Tightly roll each tortilla and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Baking Instructions

1. Pour white sauce over enchiladas. Evenly spread the creamy white sauce over all the rolled enchiladas.

2. Sprinkle cheese and bake. Add the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly and golden cheese as a sign they are ready.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

How to shred chicken easily

Shredding chicken can be a breeze! Here’s my trick: use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Grab a piece of cooked chicken and pull it apart with the forks. This method helps you shred the chicken quickly and evenly. You can also use your hands if the chicken is cool enough.

Ensuring tortillas are pliable

Tortillas can crack if they are too dry. To avoid this, warm them up. You can heat them in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20 seconds. This softening step makes them easy to roll and fill.

Serving Suggestions

Best side dishes

For a perfect meal, serve your enchiladas with a fresh salad or Mexican rice. Black beans also make a great side. They add color and flavor to your plate. You can even add some guacamole for creaminess and extra taste.

Pairing with beverages

To drink, I recommend a light, refreshing beverage. A cold Mexican beer or a fruity soda pairs well. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try lemonade or iced tea. These beverages balance the meal’s flavors nicely.

Presentation Ideas

Garnishing techniques

Garnishing enchiladas makes them look even better. Try sprinkling fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on each plate. For extra flair, slice some avocado and arrange it beside the enchiladas.

Serving styles

Serve enchiladas in a large dish for family-style dining. This way, everyone can help themselves. For a more formal setting, plate each enchilada individually. Add a side of rice and beans to make it visually appealing.

Variations

Alternate Protein Options

You can easily switch out chicken for other proteins. Try using shredded beef for a heartier dish. Ground turkey offers a leaner choice. For a meatless version, use black beans or pinto beans. These add great flavor and texture. You can also mix in some sautéed bell peppers for a veggie boost.

Different Sauce Ideas

While the white sauce is creamy and rich, you can try other sauces. Tomato sauce enchiladas offer a tangy twist. Simply spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. You can also blend avocado with lime juice for a fresh, green sauce. This adds creaminess without dairy.

Spice Level Adjustments

Want to kick up the heat? Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne in your white sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the spicy ingredients. You can still enjoy tasty enchiladas without the heat. Adjust the spices to fit your taste.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

To store enchiladas, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers for best results. They keep the food fresh and allow for easy reheating. Make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent air from getting in.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze enchiladas before or after baking. If you freeze them before, wrap them well in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for about three months. If you freeze them after baking, cool them first. Use the same wrapping method. For reheating, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350°F until hot.

Shelf Life

Leftover enchiladas last in the fridge for about three to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating them. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to toss them.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with your spices. This makes your enchiladas easy and quick.

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

To make homemade enchilada sauce, blend tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and broth. Cook this mix in a pan until thick. You can adjust spices for heat. This sauce adds a fresh touch to your dish.

Dietary Substitutions

Gluten-free tortilla options

If you need gluten-free tortillas, look for corn or rice-based ones. Many stores offer gluten-free choices. These work well in this recipe and keep it tasty.

Dairy-free cheese suggestions

For dairy-free cheese, try brands like Daiya or Follow Your Heart. They melt nicely and taste great. You can also use cashew cheese for a creamy option.

Cooking Times

Can I prepare enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare enchiladas ahead of time. Assemble them and store in the fridge. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. Bake them the next day for a quick meal.

What is the best way to reheat enchiladas?

The best way to reheat enchiladas is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15–20 minutes until warm throughout.

This blog post showed you how to make delicious enchiladas easily. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about variations to suit your tastes and how to store leftovers for later.

Remember, enchiladas are fun and flexible. You can mix and match ingredients and sauces. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress friends and family with your tasty enchilada