Articles, Recipes, Seafood

Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas

 

Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 8 medium-sized tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts/thighs)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and cheddar blend)
  • 12 oz sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare a 9×13 inch glass baking dish by lightly greasing it with non-stick spray.
  3. Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each one. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese over the chicken on each tortilla.
  4. Roll up each tortilla tightly, enclosing the chicken and cheese filling. Place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly next to each other.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and diced green chilies. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
  6. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the rolled-up tortillas in the baking dish, making sure to cover them completely.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
  9. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Enjoy your delicious and easy white sauce chicken enchiladas!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas even more delightful:

  1. Season the Chicken: Before shredding or adding the chicken to the tortillas, season it well with your favorite spices. You can use a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful filling.
  2. Customize the Cheese: While Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend perfectly, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Mexican blend cheese for added flavor complexity.
  3. Add Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the flavor and texture of the enchiladas by incorporating fresh ingredients. Consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or minced garlic to the chicken filling for extra freshness and crunch.
  4. Warm Tortillas Before Rolling: To prevent the tortillas from cracking or tearing when rolled, warm them slightly before assembling the enchiladas. You can do this by heating them in the microwave for a few seconds or lightly toasting them on a dry skillet.
  5. Mix in Some Salsa: For a zesty twist, stir a few tablespoons of your favorite salsa into the cream mixture before pouring it over the enchiladas. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
  6. Top with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the enchiladas for a pop of color and freshness. The herbs will brighten up the dish and complement the flavors beautifully.
  7. Serve with Sides: Make your meal more complete by serving the enchiladas with complementary sides such as Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. These sides will add variety to your meal and satisfy hungry appetites.
  8. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for later, double the recipe and bake the enchiladas in two separate pans. They freeze well and can be reheated for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavor and enjoyment of your Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas to make them even more delightful for you and your family or guests!

Achieving the perfect Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas is all about attention to detail and a few secrets to make them truly outstanding:

  1. Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality ingredients, especially the chicken. Whether you’re using a rotisserie chicken or cooking your own, make sure it’s juicy and flavorful. Freshly shredded chicken will always yield the best results.
  2. Homemade White Sauce: While using canned cream of chicken soup is convenient, making a homemade white sauce can take your enchiladas to the next level. Create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
  3. Customized Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning blend for the chicken filling and sauce according to your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices like paprika, oregano, or chipotle powder to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
  4. Proper Assembly: Take your time when assembling the enchiladas to ensure they’re tightly rolled and neatly arranged in the baking dish. This will prevent the filling from spilling out and ensure even cooking.
  5. Let Them Rest: Allow the assembled enchiladas to rest for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and the tortillas to absorb some of the sauce, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
  6. Cover While Baking: Covering the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking helps to trap steam and ensure the enchiladas stay moist and tender. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden crust.
  7. Garnish Creatively: Garnish your enchiladas with a variety of toppings to add freshness and visual appeal. Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice can all enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.
  8. Serve with Love: Finally, serve your Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas with a smile and enjoy them with family and friends. Food made with love always tastes better!

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas that are sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy!

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas:

  1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a softer texture. However, corn tortillas are traditionally used in enchiladas and provide a more authentic flavor.
  2. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent them from drying out. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the enchiladas are cold when you put them in the oven.
  3. Can I freeze leftover enchiladas? Yes, leftover enchiladas can be frozen for future meals. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or store them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
  4. What can I serve with white sauce chicken enchiladas? White sauce chicken enchiladas pair well with a variety of side dishes such as Spanish rice, refried beans, black beans, salad, or chips and salsa. You can also serve them with toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
  5. Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian? Yes, you can make vegetarian white sauce enchiladas by substituting the chicken with cooked vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add beans like black beans or pinto beans for protein.
  6. What can I use instead of sour cream in the sauce? If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese or a combination of milk and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  7. Can I add more spices to the sauce for extra flavor? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the sauce by adding spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the flavor according to your taste preferences.
  8. How can I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy? To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, you can lightly toast them on a dry skillet or in the oven before assembling the enchiladas. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows them to hold up better during baking.

These are just a few common questions and answers related to Easy White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!