Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner

When it comes to comforting, family-friendly dinners that feel indulgent without being complicated, Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are in a league of their own. Rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken and melty cheese, this dish delivers bold flavor without relying on heavy spice or red sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation — requested for weeknights, potlucks, and cozy gatherings alike.

Unlike traditional enchiladas that lean heavily on tomato-based sauces, these enchiladas are all about balance and creaminess. The sour cream white sauce is smooth and savory, coating every tortilla and filling them with comforting richness while still allowing the chicken and seasonings to shine. Baked until bubbly and lightly golden, the result is a casserole-style meal that feels both classic and special.

This recipe is especially loved because it’s incredibly adaptable. You can keep it mild and kid-friendly, or add gentle heat with green chilies and spices. It works beautifully with leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a practical choice when time is short but expectations are high.

If you’re searching for a satisfying dinner that feels homemade, cozy, and guaranteed to impress, these creamy chicken enchiladas are exactly what your table needs.


Why Everyone Loves White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas

There’s something universally comforting about creamy baked dishes, and white sauce enchiladas deliver that comfort in every bite. The sauce is the star here — made from simple pantry ingredients, yet luxurious in texture and flavor.

Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, sour cream adds tang and richness without overwhelming the dish. Combined with chicken broth and a light roux, it creates a sauce that’s smooth, scoopable, and perfect for soaking into tortillas as they bake.

Another reason this dish is so popular is its versatility. It fits just as easily into a busy weeknight schedule as it does into a weekend family dinner. You can prep it ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.


Ingredients

  • Flour tortillas (soft, burrito-size or fajita-size)
  • Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar (optional blend)
  • Butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chicken broth
  • Sour cream
  • Garlic, minced
  • Canned diced green chilies
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, forming a smooth roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  5. Remove from heat and gently stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, pepper, and green chilies. Set sauce aside.
  6. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with a small amount of the white sauce and a handful of cheese.
  7. Spoon the chicken mixture into tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  8. Pour remaining white sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring they are fully coated.
  9. Sprinkle generously with remaining cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

Comforting baked chicken enchiladas wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich sour cream white sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 can diced green chilies mild

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 9×13 baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour, then slowly add chicken broth until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cumin, and green chilies.
  4. Fill tortillas with chicken and cheese, roll, and place in baking dish.
  5. Pour sauce over enchiladas, top with cheese, and bake 25–30 minutes.

Notes

Let rest before serving for best texture.

Tips for the Creamiest Enchiladas

  • Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Don’t overcook the sauce before baking — it will thicken further in the oven.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Let the enchiladas rest briefly after baking so the sauce sets beautifully.

Easy Variations

  • Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas: Add extra green chilies or mild green enchilada seasoning.
  • Cheesy Deluxe Version: Mix cream cheese into the filling for extra richness.
  • Low-Heat Family Style: Skip added spice and keep seasoning mild for kids.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms with the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these enchiladas with simple sides like Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. They also pair beautifully with roasted corn or sautéed zucchini for a balanced plate.


Make-Ahead & Storage

These enchiladas can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.

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