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
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (creating a roux).
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and cook until thickened — about 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in sour cream and green chilies.
- 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
- Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of chicken mixture into each tortilla
- Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared baking dish
- Repeat with remaining tortillas
Step 5: Add Sauce & Cheese
- Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the enchiladas
- 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
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
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Sauté onion until translucent
- Add green chilies, cumin, and chili powder
- Mix in shredded chicken and 1 cup cheese
- Warm tortillas slightly
- Fill tortillas with chicken mixture
- Roll and place in greased 9×13 dish
- Heat chicken broth and whisk in flour
- Stir in sour cream until smooth
- Pour sauce over enchiladas
- Top with remaining cheese
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly
- Garnish with cilantro and green onions
- 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