Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Sour Cream Sauce Recipe

Chicken Enchiladas Recipe With Creamy White Sauce

Chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce promise a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast that will have everyone craving seconds.

Comfort food doesn't get much better than this creamy, cheesy sensation guaranteed to satisfy serious hunger pangs.

Packed with rich flavor and smooth textures, these enchiladas represent pure dinner magic that transcends ordinary meal expectations.

Home cooks adore how simple yet impressive this dish becomes when prepared with passion and care.

Restaurant-style results emerge straight from your kitchen, delivering maximum deliciousness without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Weeknight dinners dramatically improve with such a spectacular main course that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Prepare for serious smiles and happy taste buds when you serve up this crowd-pleasing favorite that screams delectable comfort.

What Makes Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream White Sauce So Rich

What Makes Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream White Sauce So Rich
  • Simple Weeknight Savior: These chicken enchiladas rescue dinner when your schedule feels packed and energy runs low, delivering a satisfying meal without complicated steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Your whole family will devour this cheesy, creamy dish that combines tender chicken and soft tortillas with a dreamy white sauce everyone adores.
  • Flexible Flavor Canvas: Customize the filling easily by swapping chicken for leftover turkey, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match your household’s taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: With minimal dishes to clean and straightforward preparation, this recipe becomes a stress-free solution for feeding hungry people without creating kitchen chaos.

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): The star of your enchiladas, tender and ready to be wrapped in warm tortillas.
Tortillas and Cheese:
  • Flour Tortillas (8): Soft wrappers that hold your delicious chicken filling perfectly.
  • Shredded Cheese (2 cups): A blend of cheddar or Mexican cheese that melts into gooey deliciousness on top of your enchiladas.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth (2 cups): Creates the base of your creamy white sauce.
  • Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds rich, tangy smoothness to your enchilada sauce.
  • Butter (3 tablespoons): Helps create a silky, rich sauce foundation.
  • All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens your sauce to the perfect consistency.
  • Diced Green Chilies (1 can): Brings a gentle kick of flavor to your filling.
  • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, aromatic background note.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasons your dish to perfection.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Chopped Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh finish to your enchiladas.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream White Sauce

  • 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Your go-to pan for creating a perfect enchilada casserole that ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, cheese, and green chilies without making a mess on your countertop.
  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for creating the creamy white sauce that will make your enchiladas irresistibly smooth and delicious.
  • Whisk: Your best friend for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly and preventing any lumps from forming.
  • Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring the chicken mixture and sauce with ease.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping chicken, green chilies, and optional cilantro garnish.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting the right balance of ingredients in your enchilada recipe.
  • Cheese Grater: Great for shredding fresh cheese that melts perfectly over your enchiladas.

Easy Way to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

Easy Way to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce
1

Prepare Chicken Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. This is where the magic starts happening for your enchiladas. Mix in the ingredients carefully:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 can diced green chilies

Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks super appetizing.

2

Set Up Baking Station

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil so nothing sticks. This prevents a messy cleanup later.

3

Roll the Enchiladas

Take a flour tortilla and scoop a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture right in the center. Roll it up tight like a cozy blanket and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this with the remaining 7 tortillas until the dish is full of rolled enchilada goodness.

4

Create White Sauce

Grab a medium saucepan and melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it turns golden. Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking like crazy to keep things smooth.

5

Finish the Sauce

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in these ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix until everything is beautifully blended and creamy.

6

Cover and Cheese

Pour the white sauce all over the rolled enchiladas, making sure every inch gets covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top for that perfect melty finish.

7

Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, melted cheese and enchiladas that are heated through completely.

8

Serve and Enjoy

Pull the enchiladas out and let them rest for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top. Dinner is served!

Helpful Cooking Notes for Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream White Sauce

  • Shred chicken super fine for the most even, tender filling that blends perfectly in each bite.
  • Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier and smoother.
  • Whisk chicken broth slowly into butter-flour mixture to guarantee a silky, lump-free white sauce that coats every enchilada.
  • Sprinkle cheese generously so your enchiladas get that irresistible golden, melted topping that everyone craves.
  • Check enchiladas at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking and keep the sauce creamy and edges perfectly crisp.

What Are Some Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream White Sauce Variations

  • Spicy Kick Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling for extra heat that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and sautéed bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version that keeps all the creamy sauce goodness.
  • Green Chile Chicken Alternative: Swap green chilies for roasted poblano peppers to create a deeper, smokier flavor profile that transforms the entire dish.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and corn tortillas instead of wheat to make the enchiladas safe for those avoiding gluten while maintaining the same delicious texture.

Best Serving Options For Chicken Enchiladas With White Sauce

  • Serve with Mexican Rice: Grab a scoop of fluffy Mexican rice alongside these creamy enchiladas to soak up that delicious white sauce.
  • Add Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions on top to bring bright, fresh flavor to your plate.
  • Pair with Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans complements the rich, cheesy enchiladas perfectly and adds some extra protein.
  • Choose the Right Drink: Grab an ice-cold Mexican beer or a tangy margarita to balance the creamy, savory flavors of the enchiladas.

Best Way To Store Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream Sauce

  • Wrap leftover enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to keep them fresh and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze individual enchiladas or the whole dish by wrapping securely in plastic wrap and then foil, which helps prevent freezer burn and maintains flavor for about 2 months.
  • When reheating refrigerated enchiladas, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to help restore moisture and prevent the edges from getting too crispy.
  • Store unused tortillas in their original packaging in a cool, dry pantry to keep them soft, and seal opened packages in a zip-top bag to prevent them from drying out or getting stale.

Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream White Sauce Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas work perfectly! Just warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking. They’ll give your enchiladas an authentic Mexican flavor.

FAQ

How do I prevent my enchiladas from becoming soggy?

Pat your chicken dry after shredding and don’t oversauce. A light, even coating keeps the tortillas firm and delicious.

FAQ

What if I don’t have chicken broth for the sauce?

Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube make excellent substitutes. The sauce will still turn out creamy and flavorful.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

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Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Sour Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Sour Cream Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Whipping up chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce feels like a warm hug from Mexico. Creamy, cheesy rolls packed with tender chicken will make your dinner table dance with flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 can diced green chilies

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Grab a large bowl and combine 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup shredded cheese, and the entire can of diced green chilies. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. Heat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture into the center of each flour tortilla.
  3. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and position them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Ensure they are snug and compact.
  4. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden.
  5. Slowly pour 2 cups chicken broth into the butter mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
  7. Pour the entire sour cream sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese across the top.
  8. Bake in the 350°F oven for 22 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the edges turn slightly golden brown.
  9. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if you enjoy fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Shred the chicken while it’s still warm for easier and more consistent texture.
  • Warm tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling smoother.
  • For a lower-carb version, swap flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas.
  • Leftover enchiladas reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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