Detailed White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Servings: 5-6 (2 enchiladas per serving)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Ingredients
- Tortillas:
- Use 10 soft taco-sized flour tortillas. Corn tortillas can be used if preferred but will need to be softened in oil or warmed in the microwave to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- For best results: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for a rich flavor.
- Optional seasoning: Mix shredded chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt before using.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- For extra cheesiness, use 3 cups total.
- Combine Monterey Jack with Cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Sauce Ingredients:
- Butter and Flour: Forms the roux base, essential for thickening the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth. Use homemade broth if available for richer flavor.
- Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Provides creaminess while balancing richness with tang.
- Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor. Use fresh roasted chilies for added depth.
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13 baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Foil
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
- Chicken Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional: Add 2 tablespoons of the green chilies for a burst of flavor.
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- Prepare the Tortillas:
- Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of the tortilla.
- Roll tightly but gently to avoid tearing. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Making the Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, whisking often, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in:
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 can diced green chilies
- Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring every inch is covered to prevent drying out.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 22 minutes.
- Remove foil and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of guacamole if desired.
Pro Tips and Tricks:
- Avoid Soggy Tortillas:
- Briefly warm tortillas in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel) to make them pliable and reduce tearing during rolling.
- Customize the Filling:
- Add cooked black beans, sautéed onions, or roasted corn to the chicken mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Make it Spicy:
- For a spicier version, mix in chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce or filling.
- Sauce Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Pour the sauce over just before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these enchiladas with:
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Refried Beans or Charro Beans
- A light salad with avocado dressing
- Tortilla chips and salsa
Storage and Freezing:
- Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- Assemble the enchiladas without the sauce. Freeze in a foil-covered baking dish.
- When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add the sauce, and bake as directed.
- Reheating:
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy these rich, creamy, and indulgent enchiladas, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as comfort food! 🌮💛