The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
There’s nothing quite like a plate of White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chiles to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. With creamy chicken filling, gooey cheese, and a tangy green enchilada sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Let’s walk through how to create these mouthwatering enchiladas step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful: The rich cream cheese and green enchilada sauce make every bite satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Minimal Prep: With just a little effort, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients for White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chiles
Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Filling | Cooked chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
Cream cheese (softened) | 1 cup | |
Sour cream | 1 cup | |
Monterey Jack cheese | 1 cup | |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp | |
Onion powder | 1 tsp | |
Cumin | 1 tsp | |
Salt | 1/2 tsp | |
Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | |
Assembly | Green enchilada sauce | 1 cup |
Flour tortillas (small) | 8–10 | |
Topping | Additional cheese (optional) | To taste |
Garnish | Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your enchiladas bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour 1/2 cup of green enchilada sauce into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center.
- Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the ends, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Add the Sauce and Toppings
- Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re evenly covered.
- Sprinkle additional Monterey Jack cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
6. Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect White Chicken Enchiladas
1. Use Quality Ingredients
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Opt for high-quality tortillas to avoid tearing during assembly.
2. Keep the Tortillas Soft
- Microwave the tortillas for 15–20 seconds before filling to make them pliable.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
- Add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
4. Don’t Overfill
- Ensure each tortilla has just enough filling to roll easily without breaking.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Enchilada) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 20g |
Fat | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Green Enchilada Sauce?
Try tomatillo salsa or a mild red enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
3. Are These Enchiladas Freezer-Friendly?
Yes! Assemble and freeze the enchiladas before baking. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I Use Corn Tortillas?
Yes, but corn tortillas are smaller and more delicate. Warm them before filling to prevent cracking.
5. How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra green chiles to the filling or sauce.
6. What Sides Pair Well with These Enchiladas?
Refried beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Refried beans | Adds a creamy, hearty side. |
Mexican rice | Complements the enchilada flavors. |
Guacamole | Offers a refreshing contrast. |
Fresh corn salad | Adds crunch and sweetness. |
Customizing Your White Chicken Enchiladas
Add Vegetables
- Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Make It Healthier
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, or swap in Greek yogurt.
Try Different Proteins
- Substitute shredded turkey, ground beef, or tofu for the chicken.
Dairy-Free Option
- Use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
Why This Recipe Works
White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chiles combine creamy, cheesy goodness with bold flavors. The green enchilada sauce adds tangy depth, while the tender chicken filling satisfies every craving. This dish is easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make These Tonight!
Ready to wow your family with a restaurant-quality dish made at home? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get rolling! With White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chiles, dinner will be a hit every single time.
Try it out, and don’t forget to share your success stories!
PrintWhite Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chiles
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chiles. With tender shredded chicken, a rich filling, and tangy green enchilada sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these enchiladas are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Assembly and Topping
- 1 cup green enchilada sauce
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
- Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped) for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Pour 1/2 cup of green enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for extra cheesiness, if desired.
6. Bake the Enchiladas
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro on top.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired