White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 8 medium-sized tortillas: Use flour tortillas. If using corn tortillas, you may need to soften them first by warming them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds.
- Chicken: Use about 2 cups of shredded chicken. For rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before shredding.
- 1 bag Shredded Cheese: About 2 cups of shredded cheese, typically a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar. You can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.
- 12 oz sour cream: This is usually one standard container. Full-fat sour cream will give the best creamy texture.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: A 10.5 oz can. This is the base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 can diced chilies: Typically a 4.5 oz can. Choose mild or hot based on your preference for spice.
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch Glass Baking Dish: For baking the enchiladas. Alternatively, use a similarly sized baking dish if you don’t have a glass one.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and diced chilies.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For mixing shredded chicken with some of the cheese.
- Spatula or Spoon: For mixing and spreading ingredients.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Tortillas:
- Warm Tortillas (if necessary): If your tortillas are stiff or cold, warm them slightly. Place them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, or microwave them in a stack wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Stuffing: Place each tortilla flat on a surface. Add a small handful of shredded chicken and cheese down the center of each tortilla. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of chicken and a small handful of cheese per tortilla.
- Rolling: Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or slightly overlap them if needed.
- Make the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 12 oz of sour cream, the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, and the 4.5 oz can of diced chilies.
- Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. You should not see any lumps of cream of chicken soup or chunks of chilies.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Layer Sauce: Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the bottom of the glass baking dish. This creates a base layer that will help keep the tortillas from sticking and adds flavor.
- Add Tortillas: Arrange the filled tortillas in a single layer on top of the cream mixture. If your dish is too small for all the tortillas to fit in one layer, you can stack them slightly.
- Top with Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining cream mixture evenly over the top of the tortillas. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out if necessary.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.
- Bake:
- Cook Time: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The enchiladas are done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. You may also notice some light browning on the cheese.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure that the dish is heated through, you can insert a knife or skewer in the center and make sure it comes out hot.
- Serve:
- Cooling: Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the enchiladas with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also top them with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Additional Tips:
- Chicken Variations: If using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and other spices before cooking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes or until fully cooked, then shred.
- Sauce Variations: For a different flavor, you can add a teaspoon of taco seasoning or some chopped green onions to the sauce mixture.
- Tortilla Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option.
This detailed guide should help you prepare your White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas with ease. Enjoy your meal!