Craving a delicious, creamy twist on a classic? These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with a luscious white sauce are a game-changer! Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and a velvety sauce, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken. Once you try these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, they’ll become a family favorite on heavy rotation. Let’s dive into this irresistible meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy white sauce with a hint of green chilies.
- Simple ingredients and fast prep time.
- Perfect for leftover chicken or a fresh batch.
- Cheesy, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting.
- Great for weeknights or sharing with friends.
Tools Needed
To make these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Missing anything? Check out Our Shop for quality essentials to make cooking a breeze!
- Baking dish: For assembling and baking the enchiladas (Serious Eats guide to top dishes).
- Skillet: To cook the creamy sauce.
- Mixing bowl: For seasoning the chicken filling.
- Spatula: To stir the sauce smoothly.
- Oven: For that golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious Creamy Chicken Enchiladas:
For the Filling
- 2½ cups shredded chicken (cooked or rotisserie)
- ¼ tsp each salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp each cumin and chili powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the White Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (6 oz) can green chilies (with juice)
- Salt to taste
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
For Assembly
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional garnish)
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Chicken Enchiladas:
- Prep the Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Stir well.
- Make the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour, cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly add chicken broth. Simmer until thickened. Add green chilies and salt, then remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread a few spoonfuls of sauce in a baking dish. Microwave tortillas for 15 seconds to soften. Fill each with ½-¾ cup chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1 cup Monterey Jack and mozzarella (if using).
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, then broil on low for 1 minute to brown the top. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
- Warm tortillas to prevent tearing when rolling.
- Taste the sauce before assembling—adjust salt as needed.
- Broil briefly for a golden, bubbly top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling tortillas: Keep it moderate for easy rolling.
- Skipping the simmer: Thickens the sauce properly.
- Not resting: Prevents a runny mess when serving.
Variations
Make these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas your own with these twists:
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Top with cilantro for a fresh finish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw and bake as directed.
FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a perfect shortcut! - What if I don’t have green chilies?
Substitute with a splash of hot sauce or diced bell peppers. - Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, refrigerate it for up to 2 days and reheat gently. - Corn or flour tortillas?
Flour works best here, but corn is fine too. - How creamy should the sauce be?
Thick but pourable—adjust with extra broth if needed.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy delight that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. With a flavorful white sauce and tender chicken, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them out and grab kitchen essentials at Our Shop for more recipe wins!
