This Chicken Enchilada Recipe, originally inspired by the flavors of the Pioneer Woman, has been perfected over time to become a family favorite. If you’ve been searching for a Chicken Enchilada Recipe Pioneer Woman style but even better, you’ve come to the right place. These White Chicken Enchiladas are incredibly moist, packed with flavor, and honestly, they often outshine restaurant versions. Perfect for a party, a cozy family dinner, or satisfying those Mexican food cravings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
white chicken enchiladas recipe with sour cream sauce in a casserole dish. Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Ready to Bake
Like many home cooks, capturing the perfect food photo can be a challenge, especially with dishes like enchiladas! But don’t let the photos fool you – the real magic is in the taste. So many of you have asked for this white sauce enchiladas recipe after glimpses on social media, and now, it’s finally here, ready for you to recreate in your own kitchen.
For those who love exploring Mexican restaurants, you know the joy of chips, salsa, and a vibrant atmosphere. While dining out is a treat, imagine creating that restaurant-quality experience at home, but even better. These White Chicken Enchiladas deliver just that – a deeply satisfying meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. Pair this dish with homemade margaritas for the ultimate Mexican fiesta at home!
Why This Chicken Enchilada Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another chicken enchilada recipe; it’s a versatile base you can adapt to your preferences. Whether you crave extra heat, more cheese, or a simpler flavor profile, this recipe provides a solid foundation.
- Customizable Spice Level: Love spicy food? Load up on jalapeños, spicy salsa verde, or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer mild flavors? Stick to the recipe as is for a delicious, family-friendly meal.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Cheese makes everything better, right? Feel free to add extra cheese both inside the enchiladas and generously sprinkled on top for that perfect gooeyness.
- Adaptable Serving Sizes: Cooking for one or two? Or a large gathering? This recipe is easily halved or doubled to fit your needs.
- Fresh Herb Options: Not a cilantro fan? No problem! Parsley or scallions make excellent substitutes for a fresh, vibrant finish after baking.
If you’re also a fan of beef enchiladas, explore robust flavors with a Beef Enchiladas recipe for a richer, more time-intensive dish. For a quicker weeknight option, consider Ground Meat Enchiladas, a delightful cross between enchiladas and burritos that’s especially popular with teens.
Tips for Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
To ensure your chicken enchilada recipe Pioneer Woman inspired turns out perfectly, here are a few key tips:
- Tortilla Preparation: While this recipe skips pre-cooking tortillas for ease, you can lightly heat them in a pan with a touch of oil for a few seconds per side if you prefer a softer texture. Be careful not to crisp them.
- Chicken Choices: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for quick preparation. Alternatively, you can roast your own chicken or cook chicken breasts and shred them. Any cooked chicken will work beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Creamy White Enchilada Sauce:
- Butter
- All-purpose Flour
- Chicken Stock
- Canned Green Chilies
- Salsa Verde (choose spicy for extra heat)
- Sour Cream
- Paprika
- Shredded Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- Salt & Pepper
For the Flavorful Chicken Enchilada Filling:
- Onion
- Jalapenos
- Canned Green Chilies
- Salsa Verde
- Shredded Cooked Chicken
- Chicken Stock
- Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- Heavy Cream
For Assembly:
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- Flour Tortillas
Step-by-Step Recipe: White Chicken Enchiladas
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious chicken enchilada recipe Pioneer Woman inspired.
1. Prepare the White Enchilada Sauce:
- In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add the canned 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.
2. Make the Chicken Enchilada Filling:
- Heat olive oil or grapeseed oil in a separate medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and jalapeños and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the shredded chicken, canned green chilies, salsa verde, chicken stock, and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Heat the mixture until it just begins to bubble, then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble and Bake the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of the white enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling, then roll up the tortilla tightly.
- Place the rolled enchiladas seam-down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all the chicken mixture is used.
- Spoon the remaining white sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese 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.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, pico de gallo, or scallions before serving.
This is the BEST White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe! Perfect for family dinners
Serving Suggestions
These White Chicken Enchiladas are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to create a complete Mexican-inspired meal:
- Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh salad, or coleslaw.
- Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa verde, or pickled jalapeños for guests to customize their enchiladas.
- Drinks: Pair with margaritas, Mexican beer, or agua fresca for a refreshing beverage.
Enjoy your homemade chicken enchilada recipe Pioneer Woman inspired! Let us know in the comments if you give this recipe a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are classic choices for white chicken enchiladas, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: For extra heat, add more jalapeños (including the seeds), use a spicier salsa verde, or incorporate cayenne pepper into both the filling and the sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q: Can I freeze leftover enchiladas?
A: Yes, leftover enchiladas freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until heated through.
Q: What tortillas work best for enchiladas?
A: Flour tortillas are traditionally used for white chicken enchiladas and work best for rolling. Look for burrito-size tortillas for easier filling and rolling.
Enjoy your culinary creation!
Originally published in 2013, updated in 2022.
