Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce: A Creamy Comfort Food Favorite

When you’re craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce delivers every time. These creamy enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken and cheese, then smothered in a homemade sour cream white sauce — rich, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.

Unlike traditional red enchiladas, this white sauce version offers a milder, creamier flavor profile that’s still packed with bold taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just want to change up your dinner routine, these enchiladas will hit the spot.


Why You’ll Love These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

🧀 Creamy, cheesy comfort food the whole family will love
🌯 Great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
👩‍🍳 Easy to make ahead for weeknights or entertaining
🌶️ A milder option for those who don’t love spicy red sauce
🥘 Freezer-friendly and perfect for potlucks or holidays
✅ Customizable with veggies, spice levels, or low-carb options


Ingredients You’ll Need

These enchiladas come together with simple pantry staples.

🌯 For the Filling:

  • 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

🥣 For the Sour Cream White Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot)
  • Optional: ½ tsp cumin or chili powder for extra flavor

🫓 For Assembling:

  • 8–10 flour tortillas (6–8 inch size)
  • ½–1 cup extra cheese for topping
  • Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish

How to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce


Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Shredded chicken
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
  • Garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Mix well and set aside.


Step 3: Prepare the White Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (creating a roux).
  3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened — about 5 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and stir in sour cream and green chilies.
  5. Mix until smooth and creamy (don’t boil after adding sour cream).

🥄 Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cumin if desired.


Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

  1. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of chicken mixture into each tortilla
  2. Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared baking dish
  3. Repeat with remaining tortillas

Step 5: Add Sauce & Cheese

  1. Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the enchiladas
  2. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden
  • For a browner top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños
  • Serve hot with rice, beans, or a fresh side salad

Serving Ideas

These creamy enchiladas pair well with:

🍚 Cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice
🥑 Guacamole and tortilla chips
🥗 Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
🌽 Mexican street corn or sautéed veggies
🍹 A refreshing margarita or sparkling lime water


Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

🧊 Make-Ahead:

  • Assemble enchiladas and sauce
  • Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking

🧊 Storage:

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days
  • Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) until hot

❄️ Freezing:

  • Assemble the dish (but do not bake)
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil
  • Freeze up to 2 months
  • Thaw overnight in fridge and bake as directed

Recipe Variations

🌶️ Spicy version – Add jalapeños, chipotle, or pepper jack cheese
🥦 Vegetarian – Use black beans, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach instead of chicken
🧀 Low-carb/Keto – Use low-carb tortillas or stuff into baked zucchini boats
🌮 Taco twist – Mix in taco seasoning or top with crushed tortilla chips
🍗 Shredded turkey or beef – Great for using leftovers!


Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving – 1 enchilada)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.


FAQs About Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Can I use corn tortillas?

You can, but they’re more delicate and can break when rolling. Warm them first to prevent cracking, or lightly fry for flexibility.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes — plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein. The flavor will be slightly tangier.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Use two 9×13 dishes or a large casserole pan.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes — canned chicken works in a pinch, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken is preferred for texture and flavor.


Why This Recipe Works

✅ Simple pantry ingredients and easy assembly
✅ Mild, creamy sauce that’s kid- and adult-approved
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
✅ Customizable for dietary needs or spice preferences
✅ A delicious alternative to traditional red enchiladas


Final Thoughts: Creamy Enchiladas You’ll Make Again and Again

These Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are a must-try for anyone who loves cozy, cheesy casseroles with Tex-Mex flair. The rich white sauce brings a whole new dimension of comfort, while the tender chicken and melted cheese make every bite irresistible.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday potlucks — this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation.

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Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce: A Creamy Comfort Food Favorite


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded • 12 corn tortillas • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded • 1 cup sour cream • 1 cup chicken broth • 2 tbsp flour • 1 onion, diced • 1 can green chilies • 2 tsp cumin • 1 tsp chili powder • ½ tsp garlic powder • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 3 green onions, sliced • 2 limes, cut into wedges


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F
  2. Sauté onion until translucent
  3. Add green chilies, cumin, and chili powder
  4. Mix in shredded chicken and 1 cup cheese
  5. Warm tortillas slightly
  6. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture
  7. Roll and place in greased 9×13 dish
  8. Heat chicken broth and whisk in flour
  9. Stir in sour cream until smooth
  10. Pour sauce over enchiladas
  11. Top with remaining cheese
  12. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly
  13. Garnish with cilantro and green onions
  14. Serve with lime wedges

PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins, Total Time: 1 hour, Servings: 8, Calories: 420, Net Carbs: 25g, Fats: 22g, Protein: 30g

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