Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce: Creamy, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

If you’re craving comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, then Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce need to be on your dinner table. This dish is a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas — instead of red or green sauce, it features a rich sour cream and white cheese sauce that takes the classic Tex-Mex favorite to a whole new level of indulgence.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and universally loved — even by picky eaters.

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Why You’ll Love These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

🌯 Rich and indulgent with a tangy sour cream sauce
🧀 Loaded with cheese — melty, bubbly, golden perfection
🍗 Uses shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
⏱️ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
🌶️ Mild, creamy flavor — easily adaptable to spice preferences
🥣 Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish

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What Are Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce?

Chicken enchiladas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish made with soft tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, rolled and baked until golden. In this variation, we ditch the usual red enchilada sauce and cover the enchiladas with a creamy sour cream white sauce, often enhanced with chicken broth, green chilies, and Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese.

The result? A luscious, rich, and savory casserole-style dish that’s cheesy, satisfying, and just a little tangy — a total comfort food hit.

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Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

This recipe is flexible, and many ingredients are pantry-friendly.

🌯 For the Enchiladas:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or cheddar)
• 1 tsp onion powder or ½ cup finely diced sautéed onions (optional)
• 8 small to medium flour tortillas

🥣 For the Sour Cream White Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for melting into the sauce)

💡 Prefer spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne to the sauce.

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How to Make Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

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Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, and onion powder (or sautéed onions).
2. Mix well and set aside.

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Step 2: Roll the Enchiladas

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.

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Step 3: Make the Sour Cream White Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream, green chilies, garlic powder, and 1 cup shredded cheese.
5. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

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Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle with additional cheese (about ½–1 cup).
3. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
4. For golden cheese on top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes or green onions
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• A dollop of extra sour cream

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

🕒 Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the enchiladas and cover with sauce (but not cheese topping).
• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• Bake as instructed, adding 5 extra minutes.

❄️ Freezer-Friendly:

• Assemble and freeze before baking.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

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What to Serve with Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

These creamy enchiladas pair well with:

🥗 Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
🌽 Street corn salad (elote style)
🥑 Guacamole and chips
🥒 Cucumber avocado salad
🫘 Refried beans or black beans
🍹 A cold margarita, Horchata, or lime agua fresca

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Variations and Substitutions

🧀 Cheese Variations:

• Use pepper jack for a spicy kick
• Try cheddar or Colby Jack for a deeper flavor
• Use cream cheese (4 oz) for a richer filling

🌶️ Spice it up:

• Add cayenne, hot sauce, or fresh chopped jalapeños to the sauce
• Use spicy rotel instead of mild green chilies

🥬 Veggie Add-Ins:

• Mix in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or roasted poblanos
• Add a layer of beans or corn to the filling

🐓 Protein Options:

• Use turkey, shredded beef, or pulled pork
• Add black beans for a meatless version

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – makes 8 enchiladas)

• Calories: ~350–400
• Protein: 20–25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 22–28g
• Sodium: ~650mg
• Fiber: 1–2g

🧮 Nutrition varies based on cheese type, tortillas, and added toppings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, but warm them first to prevent tearing. Corn tortillas will give a more traditional enchilada texture and flavor.

Can I make this without green chilies?

Absolutely. Omit them or swap with diced mild bell peppers if you prefer.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Monterey Jack melts beautifully and pairs well with the sour cream sauce, but cheddar or mozzarella also work great.

Is this spicy?

It’s mild as written. Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to increase heat.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Rich, tangy white sauce = next-level comfort
✅ Chicken + cheese = crowd-pleasing combo
✅ Creamy without being overly heavy
✅ Totally adaptable to spice level and dietary preferences
✅ Easy to make, store, reheat, and freeze

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Final Thoughts: Creamy Tex-Mex Goodness at Its Best

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are a creamy, comforting take on classic enchiladas that the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this cheesy dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every single time.

Serve them with a side of rice and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete Tex-Mex-inspired dinner that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Once you make it, you’ll keep it on regular dinner rotation.

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