white chicken enchiladas

Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas (The Comfort Dish Everyone Falls in Love With)

White chicken enchiladas are not loud.
They don’t scream with spice.
They don’t try to burn your tongue or prove a point.

Instead, they sit there quietly like, “Relax… I got this.”

This is the dish I make when I want maximum comfort with minimum stress. The kind of meal that feels homemade, indulgent, and deeply satisfying — without requiring ten pans, fancy skills, or emotional preparation.

I’ve made these for family dinners, casual guests, and “I just survived today” nights. And every single time, the reaction is the same:

“Wait… what is in this sauce?”

So let’s talk about my creamy white chicken enchiladas, the kind that disappear fast and get requested again and again.


Why These White Chicken Enchiladas Work So Well

Let’s get this out of the way — this recipe is reliable.

  • Creamy, rich, and comforting
  • Not spicy (but easy to adjust)
  • Great for leftovers (maybe even better the next day)
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd

Honestly, if casseroles had personalities, this one would be warm, calm, and quietly impressive.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated. Just the good stuff.

For the Filling

  • 2½ cups cooked shredded chicken
    (rotisserie chicken = lifesaver)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the White Enchilada Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust later)

Other

  • 8–10 flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onions

👉 Key point: Flour tortillas work best here. Corn tortillas fight the creaminess. This is not the time for conflict.


Step 1: Prep the Chicken Filling

Let’s start easy.

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Shredded chicken
  • Sour cream
  • Cheese
  • All seasonings

Mix until everything is well coated and creamy.

At this point, I usually taste it. And then taste it again. Quality control matters.


Step 2: Make the White Enchilada Sauce

This sauce is the real star. Quiet, creamy, powerful.

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (don’t let it brown).
  • Slowly whisk in chicken broth.

Keep whisking until the sauce thickens — about 3–4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in:

  • Sour cream
  • Cheese
  • Salt

The result should be smooth, creamy, and dangerously spoon-lickable.

👉 Important: Don’t boil after adding sour cream. We want creamy, not curdled chaos.


Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Now comes the fun, slightly messy part.

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a baking dish.
  • Spoon chicken filling into each tortilla.
  • Roll tightly and place seam-side down.

Once all enchiladas are snug in the dish, pour the white sauce generously over the top.

Don’t be shy. Dry enchiladas are a crime.


Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until:

  • Sauce is bubbly
  • Top is lightly golden
  • Kitchen smells like comfort

If you like a little browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch closely. Enchiladas burn fast when they get dramatic.


Step 5: Rest (Yes, Really)

Let the enchiladas rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

I know it’s hard. I know you’re hungry.
But this helps the sauce set and makes serving cleaner.


How I Like to Serve Them

White chicken enchiladas are rich, so I keep sides simple:

  • Fresh green salad
  • Steamed veggies
  • Mexican-style rice

And maybe a squeeze of lime on top — because acid is the unsung hero of creamy dishes.


Storage & Leftovers

These enchiladas age beautifully.

  • Fridge: 3–4 days
  • Freezer: Up to 2 months (bake before freezing if possible)

Reheat covered to keep them from drying out.


Common Mistakes (Learn From Experience)

Let me save you:

  • Overcooking the sauce – low heat is your friend
  • Skipping seasoning – cream needs help
  • Using too little sauce – be generous
  • Not resting before serving – patience pays off

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

These white chicken enchiladas are:

  • Comforting without being heavy
  • Creamy without being boring
  • Easy without tasting “easy”

They’re the kind of meal that feels like home cooking, even if you’re tired, busy, or pretending you have your life together.

And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of recipe I keep close.

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