White Chicken Enchiladas

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with 1 cup of the shredded cheese (reserve the other cup for topping) and the diced green chilies. Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Set this aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy White Sauce

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the cream of chicken soup and sour cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, until heated through and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. Take each flour tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until the dish is full.

Step 4: Add the Sauce & Cheese

Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the creamy white sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce so it covers all of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the sauce.

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 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the enchiladas are done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness. These white chicken enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a crisp green salad.

Tips for the Best White Chicken Enchiladas

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For the quickest and easiest prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and shredded, saving you time and effort.
2. Make the Sauce Your Own: You can make the sauce spicier by adding a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce. For a smokier flavor, a little chipotle powder or smoked paprika would be great additions.
3. Add More Veggies: For added texture and flavor, sauté some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the onions before adding the sauce. These vegetables will add some healthy crunch and make the dish even more colorful.
4. Use Homemade Cream Sauce: If you prefer to make your own white sauce from scratch, you can create a béchamel sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and then whisking in milk and chicken broth until smooth and thickened. Stir in sour cream at the end to get that creamy texture.
5. Make Ahead: These enchiladas are perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble them ahead of time, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them an ideal dish for busy nights or dinner parties.
6. Cheese Variety: While Monterey Jack is traditional in white chicken enchiladas, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even queso blanco for a more complex flavor profile.
7. For a Lighter Version: Use whole wheat tortillas, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Healthier Substitutes

Though White Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting dish, you can make a few adjustments to lighten things up:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and a tangier flavor.
• Swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free version.
• Low-fat cream of chicken soup can be used to reduce the fat content, or you can make your own light cream sauce using chicken broth, a little flour, and a splash of milk.

Health Benefits of White Chicken Enchiladas

Even though these enchiladas are indulgent and comforting, they offer several health benefits when made with lean chicken and nutrient-rich ingredients:

• Protein-packed: The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
• Calcium boost: The cheese and sour cream contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Vegetable goodness: By adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach, you can increase the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in this dish.

Final Thoughts

White Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect comfort food with a creamy, cheesy twist. They’re simple to prepare, can be made ahead, and are packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Plus, with the flexibility to adjust the ingredients to your liking, you can easily make this recipe your own.

So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate of gooey, creamy enchiladas that will make any meal feel extra special!