Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort at Its Best

When you’re craving rich, creamy comfort food with a touch of Mexican flavor, nothing hits the spot quite like Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce. This recipe swaps traditional red enchilada sauce for a luscious white sauce made with sour cream, green chiles, and cheese — creating a dish that’s mild, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or crowd-pleasing potluck, this white chicken enchilada recipe delivers all the creamy goodness you love, wrapped in soft tortillas and baked until bubbly and golden.

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Why You’ll Love These Chicken Enchiladas

🧄 Mild & creamy flavor that even picky eaters love
🧀 Loaded with melty cheese and tender chicken
🌮 Made with simple ingredients and pantry staples
🍽️ Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
🥘 Bakes in one dish for easy cleanup

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Enchiladas:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 8–10 flour tortillas (6- to 8-inch size)
• Optional: diced onions or chopped cilantro for the filling

For the Sour Cream White Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of cumin or chili powder for added depth

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Optional Toppings:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes or green onions
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Jalapeños for spice
• Extra shredded cheese

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How to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

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Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.

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Step 2: Make the Sour Cream White Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, green chiles, garlic powder, and seasonings.
5. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

💡 Don’t boil the sauce after adding sour cream — it can curdle.

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Step 3: Fill the Enchiladas

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with 1 cup of the shredded cheese (and optional onions or herbs).
2. Spoon a generous portion into the center of each tortilla.
3. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

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Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the white sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with golden edges.

🧀 Want a golden cheesy crust? Broil the top for the last 2–3 minutes.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the enchiladas cool for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with:

• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocados or jalapeños
• A drizzle of lime juice
• Extra dollop of sour cream

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What to Serve with White Chicken Enchiladas

🥑 Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
🌽 Elote (Mexican street corn) or corn salad
🥗 Fresh green salad with avocado ranch
🥣 Refried beans or black beans
🍹 Horchata, agua fresca, or a light margarita

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Recipe Variations

🌶️ Spicy Version – Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese
🍄 Vegetarian – Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, beans, or spinach
🧀 Extra cheesy – Add a layer of cream cheese or queso fresco
🌯 Corn tortillas – Use white or yellow corn tortillas for a more traditional style (warm before rolling to prevent cracking)
🐓 Low-carb/keto – Use low-carb tortillas or rollups made with zucchini slices

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Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

🧊 Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the enchiladas and cover tightly.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
• Bake straight from the fridge — add 5–10 minutes to baking time.

❄️ Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze unbaked enchiladas (with sauce) for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze in a disposable foil pan for easy storage.
• To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in fridge, then bake as directed.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – serves 6)

• Calories: 450–500
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700–850mg

Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.

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Tips for Success

✅ Use rotisserie chicken for fast prep
✅ Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to make them pliable
✅ Don’t boil the white sauce after adding sour cream
✅ Add a bit of lime juice or zest for a fresh pop of flavor
✅ Let rest before slicing — this helps the sauce set

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a slight tang.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but freshly cooked or shredded rotisserie chicken gives better flavor and texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas and substitute gluten-free flour in the roux (or skip and thicken with cornstarch slurry instead).

What if I want red sauce instead?

Swap the sour cream sauce for your favorite red enchilada sauce or salsa roja.

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Why These Enchiladas Work

✅ The white sour cream sauce is creamy, tangy, and mild
✅ Easy to assemble with leftover or store-bought chicken
✅ Freezes beautifully — great for meal prep
✅ Perfect comfort food that feels a little fancy
✅ Always a hit with kids and adults alike

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Final Thoughts: A Comfort Classic with a Creamy Twist

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are the ultimate cozy meal. They’re creamy, satisfying, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavor without being too spicy. Whether you serve them at your next family gathering, prepare them ahead for a busy week, or whip them up for a comforting weeknight meal — this dish is guaranteed to become a regular part of your rotation.

Quick to make, easy to customize, and even easier to devour — these enchiladas are everything you love about home-cooked comfort food, wrapped in a cheesy, creamy package.

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