I roll shredded chicken and cheese in soft flour tortillas, smother them in a silky sour cream–based white sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden—creating a creamy, comforting twist on classic enchiladas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how this dish marries richness and ease: the smooth sour cream sauce brings gentle tang, the melted cheese adds gooey comfort, and the chicken filling is hearty yet simple. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, and the leftovers reheat beautifully.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 8–10 flour tortillas (taco or burrito size)
- White sauce:
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4‑oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- Salt & pepper
directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Make filling. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with 1 cup cheese (reserve the rest for topping). Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and green chilies. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble enchiladas. Place about ¼ cup chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll, and arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Bake. Pour sauce evenly over tortillas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil and broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest and serve. Let cool 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of extra sour cream, if desired.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 5–6
- Prep time: ~15 minutes
- Cook time: ~25 minutes
- Total time: ~40 minutes
Variations
- Lower-carb tortilla option: swap for corn or gluten-free tortillas—warm them briefly in oil to prevent tearing.
- Veggie-loaded: add sautéed onions, bell peppers, black beans, or zucchini.
- Spiced up: use pepper jack cheese or mix in jalapeños for heat.
- Freezer-friendly: assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw and bake as directed.
storage/reheating
I refrigerate leftovers covered for up to 3–4 days or freeze assembled unbaked for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake covered at 350 °F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—I often shred rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. It’s flavorful and makes prep a breeze.
What if I don’t have green chilies?
You can omit them or substitute with diced canned jalapeños or a spoonful of salsa for extra flavor.
Will corn tortillas work?
Absolutely—just warm them briefly in oil or microwave to avoid cracking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—simply use gluten-free tortillas. Check that your flour and broth are certified gluten-free.
How do I prevent soggy tortillas?
Frying or warming tortillas before rolling helps seal them and keeps soaking to a minimum.
Conclusion
I absolutely love these chicken enchiladas with sour cream white sauce—they strike the perfect balance between comforting, cheesy indulgence and easy preparation. Creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas make it a family favorite that consistently wins rave reviews.
Print
Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender shredded chicken nestled in soft tortillas, smothered in creamy sour cream white sauce and melted cheese—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
8 (6‑inch) flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, divided
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
White Sauce:
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings (optional):
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions
Diced tomatoes
Jalapeño slices
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth and slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and whisk in sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Warm tortillas in the microwave or skillet for better pliability.
Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Place about ¼ cup shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese in each tortilla, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the dish.
Pour remaining sauce evenly over enchiladas and top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, tomatoes, or jalapeños if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes