Inspired by the renowned Pioneer Woman herself, this white chicken enchiladas recipe takes a classic dish and elevates it to new heights of flavor and simplicity. If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, look no further than these creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas. This recipe builds upon the beloved flavors of traditional enchiladas while streamlining the process for today’s busy cook, ensuring a delicious dinner on your table without spending hours in the kitchen.
white chicken enchiladas recipe with sour cream sauce in a casserole dish. Chicken and Green Chili Enchiladas
Like many home cooks, I’ve often found myself in a rush, wanting to create a memorable meal without sacrificing precious time. That’s where this white chicken enchiladas recipe truly shines. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, planning a relaxed weeknight dinner, or simply craving some flavorful Mexican-inspired comfort food, these enchiladas are the perfect solution. They’re also fantastic for making ahead, freeing you up to focus on other things when mealtime rolls around.
It’s true that capturing the perfect photo of enchiladas can be a challenge – the saucy, cheesy goodness doesn’t always translate easily to the camera! But trust me, what they might lack in photogenic appeal, they more than make up for in taste. I’ve received countless requests for this white sauce enchiladas recipe after sharing glimpses of it on social media, and now, I’m thrilled to finally share it with you.
As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and bold flavors of Mexican restaurants. While dining out is always a treat, these homemade white chicken enchiladas honestly rival, and often surpass, the restaurant versions I’ve tried. They boast a delightful moistness and a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. Plus, they’re just as delicious, if not more so, the next day – making them ideal for leftovers!
To complete your Mexican fiesta, consider pairing these enchiladas with my popular Make Ahead Margaritas. It’s the perfect combination for a fun and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Customize Your White Chicken Enchiladas
One of the best things about this Pioneer Woman inspired chicken enchilada recipe is its versatility. It’s incredibly easy to adapt to your personal preferences and spice tolerance.
- Spice it up: Crave some extra heat? Don’t hesitate to add more jalapeños (including the seeds for maximum fire), incorporate a spicy salsa verde, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to both the filling and the sauce.
- Cheese lover’s dream: If you believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese, feel free to load up! Add extra cheese both inside the enchiladas as you’re rolling them and generously over the top before baking. A blend of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack will provide both flavor and a beautiful melt.
- Keep it simple: Prefer a milder flavor profile? Simply reduce the jalapeños or omit them altogether. You can also easily halve the recipe if you’re cooking for a smaller group.
- Cilantro aversion? Not a fan of cilantro? No problem! (My husband feels the same way.) Substitute fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions as a garnish after the enchiladas come out of the oven for a touch of freshness without the cilantro flavor.
If you’re also a fan of beef enchiladas, you might want to explore other enchilada variations. For a richer, more time-intensive option, consider a classic beef enchilada recipe. And for a quick and family-friendly meal, ground meat enchiladas offer a satisfying and easy alternative, especially popular with teenagers!
Tips for Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
- Tortilla tips: While I skip this step for ease, some prefer to lightly cook the tortillas before filling. If you choose to do this, heat a skillet with a tiny amount of oil and briefly warm each tortilla for a few seconds per side. The goal is to soften them, not to make them crispy. This helps prevent them from tearing when rolled.
- Chicken shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend for this recipe, making it incredibly quick to assemble. However, you can certainly roast your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them if you prefer. About 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken is ideal.
Ingredients for White Chicken Enchiladas
For the White Enchilada Sauce:
- 3 TBS butter
- 3 TBS all-purpose flour
- 3 ¼ cups chicken stock
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup salsa verde (choose your spice level – mild to spicy)
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Enchilada Filling:
- 1 large Vidalia onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference, remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced 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)
How to Make Pioneer Woman Inspired Chicken Enchiladas
Instructions:
Get Started: White Enchilada Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add the can of diced green chilies, salsa verde, sour cream, paprika, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Whisk until smooth and heated through, but do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Prepare 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 jalapeño and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, salsa verde, chicken stock, and paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper (and cayenne pepper if you want extra spice).
- Heat the mixture until it just begins to bubble around the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble and Bake the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon a thin layer of the white enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the dish.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the chicken mixture (about ½ cup). Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese over the chicken filling. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all the chicken mixture is used up.
- 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, before serving.
This is the BEST White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe! Better than most restaurants!
Recipe Notes:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños and the type of salsa verde to control the spiciness of the enchiladas. For a milder version, use mild salsa verde and remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, use a spicy salsa verde and add cayenne pepper.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are classic choices, but cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend would also be delicious.
- Tortilla Size: This recipe works best with large, burrito-size flour tortillas. If using smaller tortillas, you may get more enchiladas and need to adjust the filling amount per tortilla.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 enchilada
Calories: 606 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 168mg
Sodium: 947mg
Potassium: 531mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 1459IU
Vitamin C: 17mg
Calcium: 508mg
Iron: 2mg
Enjoy these incredibly delicious and easy Pioneer Woman inspired White Chicken Enchiladas! They are sure to become a family favorite.
