Hey y’all! If you’re craving something ultra-comforting, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, these White Chicken Enchiladas will hit the spot! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potluck parties—everyone will be asking for seconds. The silky white sauce and tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas make this dish a standout favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Incredibly creamy and cheesy—perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- A family-friendly favorite that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or proteins.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
White Chicken Enchiladas Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
How to Make White Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly (but not browned). Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens—about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken-cheese filling into each tortilla, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the creamy white sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Serve
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes for Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
- Try using rotisserie chicken to save time—shredded turkey also works great! For more ideas, check out these rotisserie chicken recipes.
- You can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but warm them first to prevent cracking.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.
White Chicken Enchiladas Variations
- Spicy White Chicken Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or black beans.
- Green Sauce Enchiladas: Replace half the white sauce with salsa verde for a tangy twist.
Required Equipment for White Chicken Enchiladas
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Storage Instructions for White Chicken Enchiladas
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For freezing, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for White Chicken Enchiladas
- Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a zesty corn salad for a complete meal.
- Top with fresh salsa, diced avocados, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
- Serve with chips and guacamole to please a crowd!
Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Enchiladas
- Warm tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet to prevent tearing during rolling—more advice on tortilla care is available at Serious Eats.
- Don’t overfill the enchiladas to avoid spillage—the sauce will keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Let enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld—learn more about resting baked dishes here.
White Chicken Enchiladas FAQ
- Can I make White Chicken Enchiladas ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the enchiladas (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Absolutely—rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
- Can I freeze White Chicken Enchiladas?
- Yes, these enchiladas freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Divide the mixture evenly among the flour tortillas, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
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3In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
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4Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in sour cream, diced green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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5Pour the white sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
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6Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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