Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce – A Comfort Food Classic
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food dish that’s easy, indulgent, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks, look no further than Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce. These enchiladas are rich, creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Made with tender shredded chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a silky sour cream white sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time it hits the table.
🌯 Why These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Belong on Your Weekly Menu
- Rich and creamy white sauce made from scratch
- Simple ingredients with big flavor
- Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Ready in under an hour
- Perfect for freezing and meal prepping
Unlike traditional red sauce enchiladas, this white sauce version brings a milder, more comforting flavor, making it perfect for kids and those who prefer a creamier, less spicy meal.
🛒 Ingredients – Deliciously Simple
This recipe makes 8–10 enchiladas, ideal for 4–6 servings.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Small flour tortillas | 8–10 |
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 3 cups |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 3 cups, divided |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Optional: diced green chilies | 1 (4 oz) can (for added flavor) |
💡 Tip: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. For a smoky twist, try using grilled chicken.
🔥 How to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
Mix together and set aside.
✅ Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
🌮 Pro Tip: Don’t overfill the tortillas. Too much filling will make them hard to roll and cause breakage.
✅ Step 3: Make the Sour Cream White Sauce
In a medium saucepan:
- Melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 3 tbsp flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add 2 cups chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until thickened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup sour cream.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional: Stir in a can of diced green chilies for a flavorful kick.
🧄 Bonus Flavor Boost: Add ½ tsp garlic powder or onion powder for a deeper flavor profile.
✅ Step 4: Pour and Top
- Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the enchiladas, making sure every tortilla is well covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
✅ Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye on it!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions – Elevate Your Enchilada Night
These creamy enchiladas are rich and satisfying on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried or black beans
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Fresh green salad with avocado
- Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños as toppings
🥑 Add a dollop of guacamole or drizzle of hot sauce to customize your plate.
🧊 Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
🔹 To Store:
- Cool enchiladas completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔹 To Reheat:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, covered loosely.
🔹 To Freeze:
- Assemble enchiladas (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes, or thaw overnight before baking.
🌟 Make It Your Own – Tasty Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
- Add veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the chicken filling.
- Go spicy: Use Pepper Jack cheese or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the white sauce.
- Swap proteins: Use shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even seasoned tofu for a twist.
- Make it low-carb: Swap tortillas for low-carb wraps or even roll the filling in cabbage leaves.
❤️ Final Thoughts – Creamy Enchiladas the Whole Family Will Love
There’s a reason why Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are a staple in comfort food kitchens—they’re creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. This recipe combines simple ingredients and classic techniques to create a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or stocking your freezer with make-ahead meals, these enchiladas will become a beloved favorite in your rotation.