Discover a delightful recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Nothing says “I love you” more than a plate of gooey, cheesy chicken enchiladas with white sauce. Imagine biting into a warm tortilla filled with tender chicken and smothered in a luscious creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, complete with maracas and piñatas—okay, maybe not the last two, but you get the picture.
Growing up, my kitchen was the epicenter of family gatherings, where laughter echoed louder than the sizzling pans. My mom’s chicken enchiladas were legendary; they could turn any mundane Tuesday into Taco Tuesday! Now I’m here to share that culinary magic with you because nothing brings people together quite like a dish that practically hugs your soul.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests
- Its creamy texture and zesty flavor profile will please even the pickiest eaters
- Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have available!
- The vibrant presentation makes it a showstopper at any table
When I first served these chicken enchiladas to my friends, they practically drooled over their plates. One friend even declared it was “the best thing since sliced bread” (and she’s a carb enthusiast).
Essential IngredientsDiscover a delightful recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust according to your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic adds a sweet aroma.
- Flour Tortillas: Choose large tortillas to hold all that delicious filling without ripping apart.
- Shredded Cheese: I recommend using a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds richness to the white sauce; full-fat works best for creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep flavors balanced; homemade broth is always a win!
- Green Chiles: Canned diced chiles add a mild kick; they’re an absolute game changer!
- Cumin and Chili Powder: Essential spices that bring warmth and depth; don’t skimp on them!
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and golden.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it TogetherDiscover a delightful recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite baking dish—think about how beautiful those enchiladas will look nestled inside!
Cook the Chicken
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the boneless chicken breasts until browned. This should take about 6-8 minutes per side. You want them cooked through but still juicy.
Prepare the Filling
Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks. Mix it in a bowl with chopped garlic, cumin, chili powder, green chiles, and half of your shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Make the White Sauce
In another saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously until thickened—about 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream until creamy.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread some of that heavenly white sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Fill each tortilla generously with the chicken mixture before rolling them up tightly and placing them seam-side down in the dish.
Top Them Off
Pour remaining white sauce over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
And there you have it! Your kitchen has transformed into an aromatic haven filled with cheesy goodness that beckons everyone home.
Enjoying these chicken enchiladas with white sauce not only fills bellies but also warms hearts—so gather around that dinner table and let those good times roll!
You Must Know
- This delightful chicken enchiladas with white sauce recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners
- The creamy sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible dish that pleases everyone at the table
- Plus, they’re easy to customize, making them a family favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken first, then prepare the white sauce while the tortillas warm up. This sequence ensures everything comes together perfectly.
Add Your TouchDiscover a delightful recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Consider adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also spice up the white sauce with jalapeños for a kick!
Storing & ReheatingDiscover a delightful recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your chicken enchiladas with white sauce, remember to season well
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro for brightness and zest
- Make sure to coat your tortillas in sauce before filling them to prevent dryness
- Lastly, let them rest a few minutes before serving – it makes all the difference!
Sharing my first attempt at chicken enchiladas with white sauce still makes me chuckle. My friends devoured them and declared me a culinary genius, which I promptly added to my resume!
FAQDiscover a delightful recipe for chicken enchiladas with white sauce that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion!
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor to your enchiladas.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the white sauce?
Greek yogurt works great as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
How do I make these enchiladas spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the filling or sauce for extra heat!
Easy Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce
Savor these delectable chicken enchiladas, generously filled with tender chicken and topped with a rich white sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until browned. Remove and shred the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, green chiles, and half of the shredded cheese.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add chicken broth while stirring until thickened. Stir in sour cream.
- Spread some white sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining white sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
