Inspired by the renowned Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this white chicken enchiladas recipe brings a creamy, comforting twist to classic Mexican cuisine. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, these enchiladas are packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and delicious, look no further than these Pioneer Woman-inspired chicken enchiladas with white sauce.
Delicious pioneer woman chicken enchiladas with creamy white sauce in casserole dish. Chicken enchilada recipe with green chilies and cheese.
Many rave about Mexican restaurant enchiladas, but what if you could create a version that’s even better at home? This recipe achieves just that. These white chicken enchiladas are incredibly moist, bursting with flavor, and taste just as fantastic, if not better, the next day. They are a delightful change from the traditional red sauce enchiladas, offering a creamy, cheesy, and subtly spicy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair these enchiladas with a refreshing Make Ahead Margarita for the ultimate fiesta feast!
What Makes Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce Special?
This recipe takes inspiration from Pioneer Woman’s enchilada recipes, known for their hearty and flavorful nature, and adapts it to create a unique white sauce version. What sets these enchiladas apart is the creamy white sauce, a rich blend of butter, flour, chicken stock, sour cream, and cheese, infused with the subtle heat of green chilies and salsa verde. This sauce envelops a savory chicken and green chili filling, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more jalapenos or cayenne pepper. If you’re a cheese lover, load up on extra cheese both inside and on top of the enchiladas for an even richer experience. Don’t like cilantro? Parsley or scallions make excellent substitutes as a fresh garnish. And for those who enjoy variety, this white sauce also pairs wonderfully with beef or ground meat enchiladas, offering endless possibilities for customization.
Tips for Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
To ensure your Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchiladas With White Sauce turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Tortilla Prep (Optional): While this recipe is designed for ease, some prefer to lightly pre-cook the tortillas. If you choose to do so, briefly “kiss” each tortilla on a hot pan with a touch of oil for a few seconds per side. Avoid crisping them, as they need to remain pliable for rolling.
- Chicken Choices: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, making this recipe quick and easy. However, you can certainly roast your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for the filling. Any cooked, shredded chicken will work beautifully.
- Spice Customization: Don’t be afraid to adjust the heat! Add extra jalapenos (including seeds for more intense heat) to the filling or a dash of cayenne pepper to both the filling and the white sauce. Using a spicier salsa verde is another simple way to increase the overall spice level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for these delectable white chicken enchiladas:
For the White Enchilada Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 ¼ cups chicken stock
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
- 1 cup salsa verde (choose your spice level)
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Enchilada Filling:
- 1 large Vidalia onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
- ½ cup salsa verde
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup heavy cream
For Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- 7-8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
Step-by-Step Recipe: Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Pioneer Woman-inspired white chicken enchiladas:
Making the White Enchilada Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the can of green chilies, salsa verde, sour cream, paprika, and shredded cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Chicken Enchilada Filling:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or grapeseed oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and jalapenos and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, green chilies, salsa verde, chicken stock, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- Add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper (and cayenne pepper if desired for extra heat).
- Heat the mixture until it just begins to bubble, then remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling and Baking Your Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon a thin layer of the white sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the chicken filling. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese over the filling, then roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all the filling is used.
- Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the enchiladas in the dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, pico de gallo, or scallions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Close-up of white chicken enchiladas showcasing melted cheese and creamy white sauce. Best pioneer woman chicken enchiladas recipe.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Pioneer Woman chicken enchiladas with white sauce are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:
- Mexican Rice: A classic accompaniment to enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Another traditional Mexican side dish.
- Salad: A fresh green salad or a vibrant corn and black bean salad to balance the richness of the enchiladas.
- Sour Cream or Guacamole: For extra toppings and flavor.
For variations, explore different cheese options like cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend. You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as corn or black beans. And remember, spice is customizable – make it mild or fiery to suit your taste!
These Pioneer Woman chicken enchiladas with white sauce are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, they offer a delightful twist on a classic dish. Give this recipe a try and experience the comfort and flavor of homemade enchiladas that are truly better than restaurant fare!
