Introduction
Looking for a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a family gathering? White Chicken Enchiladas are a perfect choice! This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a flavorful white sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a fantastic dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, the ability to make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven makes it an ideal option for busy evenings. Let’s dive into the details of making this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
This is the star ingredient. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself. - 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
These will hold all of the delicious filling. You can use corn tortillas if preferred, but flour tortillas provide a soft and pliable base for the enchiladas. - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Monterey Jack melts beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious texture. You can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar if you prefer. - 3 tbsp butter
The butter is used to create a roux for the white sauce. It adds richness to the sauce. - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
The flour combines with the butter to create a roux that will thicken the sauce, giving it a velvety smooth texture. - 2 cups chicken broth
Chicken broth is essential for creating a flavorful and savory base for the sauce. - 1 cup sour cream
Sour cream gives the sauce its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
These add a touch of heat and a bit of tang to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream. - Salt and pepper to taste
Season the sauce to your liking, ensuring the flavors are well balanced. - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cilantro adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor to finish off the dish.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the enchiladas will cook evenly once they’re assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
To assemble your enchiladas, place a small handful of shredded chicken and cheese into the center of each tortilla. Don’t overfill them; about 2 tablespoons of chicken and a tablespoon of cheese per tortilla should be enough. Roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for all eight tortillas. This step is crucial for ensuring that the filling stays inside the tortillas as they bake.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the creamy white sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes, cooking it to create a roux. The roux helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a rich texture.
Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to stir the sauce until it thickens and becomes smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Flavor to the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies. The sour cream will add creaminess and a slight tang, while the green chilies bring a subtle heat and flavor. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Enchiladas
Carefully pour the sauce over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish, making sure they are well coated. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly over the top. This will ensure that every bite of enchilada is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the enchiladas. The cheese will melt and become golden and bubbly as it bakes, creating a deliciously gooey topping for your enchiladas.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. This step will allow the enchiladas to absorb the flavors of the sauce while the cheese becomes irresistibly creamy.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. Serve the enchiladas warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Preparation Method
The preparation method for this dish is straightforward and doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques. Here’s a quick summary of the steps:
- Preheat the oven and grease the baking dish.
- Assemble the enchiladas by filling tortillas with chicken and cheese, then rolling them up and placing them in the baking dish.
- Make the creamy white sauce by creating a roux, then adding chicken broth, sour cream, and green chilies.
- Pour the sauce over the tortillas, top with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve!
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a comforting meal that can be made in one dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tortillas?
Yes! While this recipe calls for flour tortillas, you can substitute with corn tortillas for a more traditional option. Just be sure to warm them up slightly before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it on the stove before pouring it over the enchiladas.
Can I freeze White Chicken Enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I add vegetables to the enchiladas?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the chicken and cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with White Chicken Enchiladas?
White Chicken Enchiladas are great served with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with guacamole or sour cream for dipping.
Conclusion
White Chicken Enchiladas are a classic, comfort food dish that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With a simple yet delicious white sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, these enchiladas are everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal.
The best part? It’s so easy to make, and you can even prep it ahead of time for a hassle-free dinner. So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting dish, give these White Chicken Enchiladas a try. They’re sure to become a family favorite!