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| Easy Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Recipe |
Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce are a perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors wrapped in soft tortillas. These enchiladas are a twist on the traditional red sauce version, featuring a rich and velvety white sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender, seasoned chicken.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party, feeding a family, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, these enchiladas will quickly become a favorite.
This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also offers versatility when it comes to ingredients and spices. The creamy white sauce adds a comforting touch that makes these enchiladas feel indulgent yet light. With just a few steps, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant!
🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
To make your Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce, you'll need the following equipment:
- A large skillet or frying pan for cooking the chicken
- A medium saucepan for preparing the white sauce
- A baking dish (9x13 inch recommended)
- A cutting board and sharp knife
- A spoon or spatula for mixing and stirring
- A whisk for the sauce
- A spoon for filling the tortillas
🥄 What Do You Need to Prepare Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce? (Ingredients)
Here’s everything you need to make delicious chicken enchiladas with a creamy white sauce:
For the Enchiladas:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 10 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas also work if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
For the White Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
🥄 How to Make Easy Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Step-by-Step ?
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| Easy Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Recipe |
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by shredding your cooked chicken. If you're using a rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and bones and shred the meat. Set it aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, add the heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until it's fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a little bit of the white sauce in the bottom of your baking dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking. Next, take each flour tortilla and place a spoonful of shredded chicken in the center. Sprinkle with some chopped onions, and then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish.
Step 4: Cover with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining white sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
🍴 Variations
While this recipe for Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce is delicious on its own, there are several ways to make it your own. Consider these variations:
- Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the chicken mixture or white sauce. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative. You can also add black beans or corn for more texture.
- Green Enchiladas: For a different flavor profile, swap the white sauce for a green enchilada sauce made from tomatillos and green chilies.
- Gluten-Free Enchiladas: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your white sauce is made with gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences or dietary needs, ensuring that every version of this recipe is just as satisfying.
🍽️ Cooking Notes
Cooking chicken enchiladas with white sauce is relatively easy, but there are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Shredded Chicken: If you don't have time to cook chicken, using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save a lot of effort. Just shred the chicken and remove any excess skin or bones.
- Homemade Tortillas: While store-bought tortillas work fine, you can elevate the dish by using homemade flour tortillas. They add an extra level of authenticity and flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If your white sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reach your desired consistency.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble the enchiladas, cover them with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing: Chicken enchiladas with white sauce freeze well. Assemble the enchiladas, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an extra 20 minutes to the cooking time.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
These chicken enchiladas with white sauce are a complete meal on their own, but you can add some delicious sides to round out the dish. Consider serving them with:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side of cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice complements the creamy enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: A classic side that pairs perfectly with the richness of the white sauce.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh guacamole and homemade salsa add a refreshing contrast to the creamy enchiladas.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
These sides elevate the meal, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Tortilla Tips: If you want to prevent your tortillas from cracking, heat them briefly in the microwave or on a skillet before filling them. This will make them more pliable.
- Sauce Tips: Make sure your white sauce is smooth and creamy. Whisk constantly while adding the liquids to prevent lumps. You can also use a handheld blender to smooth it out if needed.
- Cheese Tips: Use a combination of sharp cheddar and mild Monterey Jack cheese for the best flavor and melt. Freshly grated cheese tends to melt better and gives a creamier texture.
- Chicken Tips: For the juiciest chicken, cook it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil and seasoning. You can also bake or grill the chicken before shredding it.
- Assembly Tips: To prevent the enchiladas from sticking to the pan, ensure you spread a bit of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before layering the tortillas.
⭐ Tips for the Best Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce
- Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Fill the tortillas with just enough chicken and sauce to keep them from falling apart during baking. Overfilled tortillas may be difficult to roll and will make the enchiladas hard to bake evenly.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Take your time with the white sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, which helps develop the flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, fresh garlic, and freshly grated cheese make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Bake Uncovered: While covering the enchiladas at first keeps the cheese from overbaking, removing the foil towards the end allows the cheese to become golden and bubbly, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
🕒 Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
🍎 Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
❓ FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work well in this recipe. Just be sure to warm them before filling to prevent cracking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake as directed the following day.
How can I make these enchiladas spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving for an extra kick.
🔚 Conclusion
Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce are the perfect balance of rich and creamy with just the right amount of seasoning. This recipe is not only delicious but versatile, offering options for customization to suit your personal tastes.
Whether you're making them for a family dinner, hosting friends, or preparing a meal for the week, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy the comforting flavors and indulge in the creamy goodness of this Mexican-inspired classic!