Creamy White Sauce Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe with White Sauce

Chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce deliver comfort food at its absolute finest, combining tender fillings wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich, creamy topping.

What makes them special is how they bring people together around a dinner table, creating moments worth remembering long after the plates are cleared.

Whether it's a casual weeknight meal or something more festive, they fit right in without demanding hours of preparation.

The flavors are mild enough for picky eaters yet satisfying enough to please everyone sitting down to eat.

You can count on leftovers tasting just as good the next day, which makes planning ahead easy and stress-free.

They're filling without being heavy, and the creamy element adds an unexpected twist that sets them apart from traditional versions.

When hunger strikes and comfort is what you need most, nothing hits quite like this recipe.

Why Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce Are Always Loved

  • Simple Crowd-Pleaser: These chicken enchiladas are perfect for family dinners where everyone wants something delicious and comforting without complex cooking skills.
  • Sauce That Saves the Day: The creamy white sauce transforms plain chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll make your dinner feel special and exciting.
  • Super Flexible Recipe: You can easily swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken or adjusting spices to match what’s in your kitchen, making this dish totally adaptable.
  • One-Pan Wonder: This recipe dirties minimal dishes, which means quick cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with people who matter most.

What Goes on the Ingredient List for Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce

Protein Base:
  • Shredded Chicken (2 cups): The star of your enchiladas, tender and perfectly cooked for a hearty filling.
Tortilla Wrap:
  • Flour Tortillas (8): Soft wrappers that hold your delicious chicken mixture and create those classic enchilada rolls.
Cheese Elements:
  • Shredded Cheese (1 cup): Melty goodness that adds richness and creates a golden, bubbly top for your enchiladas.
Sauce Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can), Sour Cream (1 cup), Chicken Broth (1 cup): Creamy white sauce that brings moisture and deep flavor to every bite.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon), Onion Powder (1 teaspoon), Cumin (1 teaspoon): Spices that bring warm, complex taste to your enchiladas.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in your dish.

Baking Equipment for Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Your go-to container for whisking together the creamy white sauce and blending all those delicious spices.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for nestling those rolled enchiladas and catching all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
  • Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining the sauce ingredients and eliminating any lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools to ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient.
  • Cheese Grater: Handy for shredding fresh cheese or breaking down a block of cheese for your enchiladas.
  • Cutting Board: A solid surface for preparing your chicken and any additional ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing and shredding chicken with ease.

How to Prepare Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

1

Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to exactly 350F so it’s ready for baking these delicious enchiladas.

2

Create the White Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the sauce ingredients:

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

3

Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of the white sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking.

4

Assemble the Enchiladas

Take each flour tortilla and fill it with:

  • 1/4 cup shredded chicken
  • 2 tablespoons shredded cheese

Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

5

Add the Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure each one gets a good coating.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese across the top.

6

Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and bubbly sauce.

7

Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce

  • Whisk the sauce ingredients super smoothly to prevent any lumps that could make your enchiladas look messy.
  • Shred your chicken while it’s still warm – trust me, it breaks apart way easier and mixes perfectly with cheese.
  • Don’t overfill your tortillas or they’ll burst open and look like a kitchen disaster when baking.
  • Spray your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray beforehand so cleanup becomes a breeze later.
  • Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce settles and each bite stays perfectly saucy.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a creamy, allergen-friendly version that keeps your enchiladas rich and satisfying.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the sauce and use pepper jack cheese to give your enchiladas a fiery, bold flavor that’ll warm up your dinner table.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or quinoa to create a hearty, plant-based enchilada that packs serious nutrition and taste.
  • Low-Carb Wrap Swap: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas to make a lighter version that still delivers all the enchilada flavor without the extra carbohydrates.

How Do You Serve Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce?

  • Plate with Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add bright color and a pop of fresh flavor for your enchiladas.
  • Serve Alongside: Pair with Mexican-style rice or black beans to create a complete and satisfying meal your family will devour.
  • Customize Heat Level: Add diced jalapeños inside the enchiladas or sprinkle hot sauce on top if your crowd enjoys a spicier kick.
  • Leftover Storage: Wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to keep the tortillas crisp and sauce creamy.

How to Store Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

  • Refrigerate leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce and filling moist and fresh.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out your delicious meal.
  • Freeze whole or individual enchiladas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future dinners.
  • Warm refrigerated enchiladas in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to maintain their creamy texture and prevent edges from getting too crispy.

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas work perfectly in this recipe. Just warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable.

FAQ

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

FAQ

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Substitute low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and use lean chicken breast to cut down on calories and fat.

FAQ

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

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

FAQ

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries. You can simplify the seasoning with a premixed taco or southwest seasoning blend that will still give great flavor.

FAQ

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

These freeze wonderfully. Wrap tightly in foil after baking and cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

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Creamy White Sauce Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Creamy White Sauce Chicken Enchilada Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce bring tender shredded chicken and melty cheese together in corn tortillas, all smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s pure comfort on a plate. Your family will love the bubbly, golden finish straight from the oven.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect environment for baking these creamy enchiladas.
  2. Whisk together 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin, then season with salt and pepper to develop a smooth, tangy sauce.
  3. Spread a thin layer of the sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
  4. Take a flour tortilla and pile ¼ cup shredded chicken and 2 tablespoons of cheese in the center, then carefully roll it into a tight cylinder.
  5. Nestle each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a snug arrangement.
  6. Generously drizzle the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring every inch gets covered.
  7. Sprinkle the final ½ cup of cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.
  8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and slightly golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

  • Make the sauce ahead of time to let the flavors blend and deepen, giving your enchiladas more complex taste.
  • Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese.
  • When shredding chicken, use two forks to pull meat apart for the most tender, even texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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