Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the heartiness and flavor of Chicken Enchiladas. Traditional Mexican enchiladas are always a crowd-pleaser, but for those who love a creamy, indulgent twist, Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce offer a rich and flavorful variation. This version uses a smooth, tangy white sauce made with sour cream, blending perfectly with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and soft corn tortillas.

The creamy sour cream sauce elevates these enchiladas, making them a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal. With a balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite in your household.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are a must-try recipe, share a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make them, and offer helpful tips and variations to make this dish your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Flavorful: The sour cream white sauce adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the seasoned chicken and melts into the tortillas.
• Comforting: This dish brings together familiar flavors in a comforting, hearty way. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a satisfying family meal.
• Easy to Prepare: While it may seem indulgent, this recipe is relatively simple to make, even for beginners. With common ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add extra toppings like olives, cilantro, or green onions to suit your preferences.
• Versatile: This dish works for a variety of occasions—from casual dinners to holiday feasts—and can be made ahead, making it a perfect choice for busy days.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (20 minutes for prep, 40 minutes for baking, 15 minutes for resting)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 22g.

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great here, but you can cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself.
• 10-12 corn tortillas: The traditional base for enchiladas. You can also use flour tortillas if preferred.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: A blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix of both works well. You can also use a blend of Mexican cheese for an authentic taste.
• 1 small onion: Diced. Adds sweetness and flavor to the chicken mixture.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor typical of Mexican dishes.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a subtle heat and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: For a smoky depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

For the Sour Cream White Sauce:

• 1 cup sour cream: This creamy base makes the sauce rich and tangy.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness to the sauce, making it velvety and smooth.
• 1 cup chicken broth: This helps thin out the sauce and adds a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and onions for the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Enhances the flavor and gives the sauce a warm note.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: To amplify the garlic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro: For garnish and freshness.
• Sliced olives: For a briny, savory addition.
• Chopped green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and color.
• Diced tomatoes: For extra freshness and color.
• Extra shredded cheese: To sprinkle on top before serving.
• Lime wedges: For a zesty kick when serving.

First Step: PREPARE THE CHICKEN FILLING

1. Cook the Chicken: If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, cook your chicken by boiling, grilling, or pan-searing until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks once it’s cool enough to handle.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Combine Chicken with Seasoning: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the spice mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Set aside.

Second Step: MAKE THE SOUR CREAM WHITE SAUCE

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Prepare the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
3. Add the Cream and Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE ENCHILADAS

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Lightly warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This softens them and makes them easier to roll without cracking. You can also heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds covered with a damp paper towel.
2. Fill the Tortillas: Spread a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese over the chicken.
3. Roll the Enchiladas: Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat the process until all the tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE ENCHILADAS

1. Pour the White Sauce: Pour the sour cream white sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, covering them completely. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out if needed.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the enchiladas for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Fifth Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Rest the Enchiladas: Let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the sauce to settle and makes them easier to slice.
2. Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, green onions, or any other toppings you prefer.
3. Serve: Serve the enchiladas hot with lime wedges on the side for added freshness. These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a simple green salad.

How to Serve Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

These Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to more formal gatherings. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

1. For Family Dinners or Gatherings

This dish is ideal for feeding a family or a group of friends. The creamy white sauce makes it stand out from traditional enchiladas, while the familiar flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser.

2. With Sides

Pair the enchiladas with classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh guacamole salad. The richness of the enchiladas pairs beautifully with the lighter, refreshing flavors of these sides.

3. For Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a meal to prepare in advance, these enchiladas are a great option. You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

While Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish to suit your tastes:

1. Make It Spicy

For a spicier version, you can add chopped green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling or the sauce.

2. Swap Proteins

Feel free to use other proteins like ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp instead of chicken. Each one will add its own unique flavor to the dish.

3. Add Vegetables

For a more hearty dish, add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the chicken mixture. These vegetables will complement the richness of the white sauce and add extra nutrients.

4. Make It Vegetarian

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or roasted vegetables for a delicious meat-free option.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce

1. Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas is essential to prevent them from cracking when you roll them. If you skip this step, the tortillas may break and cause the enchiladas to fall apart.
2. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Add just enough chicken and cheese to the center of each tortilla. Overfilling can make it harder to roll them and may result in messy enchiladas.
3. Make Extra Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the white sauce recipe. It makes for a rich, creamy base that’s perfect for pouring over the enchiladas and any sides.
4. Customize the Cheese: Use a combination of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack, for a more flavorful enchilada experience.

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Conclusion

Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce bring a delightful twist to the traditional Mexican favorite. The rich, creamy sauce and the seasoned chicken filling create a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, prepping for a busy week, or celebrating a special event, these enchiladas will undoubtedly be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness in every bite.