• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Happier Homemaker logo

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Home & Garden
  • Printables
  • DIY
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Home Tips
  • Printables
  • DIY
  • Free Organizing Course
  • Clean Routine Academy
  • Mom's Chore Toolbox
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Courses » White Chicken Enchilada Recipe

    Last updated: Jun 22, 2021 by Melissa Riker · 26 Comments

    White Chicken Enchilada Recipe

    Jump to Recipe
    two white chicken enchiladas on white plate with lime wedges

    These rich and creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are an easy shredded chicken enchiladas recipe, covered in a simple sour cream and green chile sauce. They are easy to whip together, making it a perfect weeknight meal!

    close up of enchiladas with cheese and cilantro in white casserole dish

    Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are one of our favorite weeknight Mexican foods to share.  I prefer these Chicken Enchiladas to traditional enchilada recipes. (I also love this green enchilada casserole as another enchilada variation!)

    Why I love this recipe

    These are very kid (and grown-up) friendly and not too spicy, don't let the chiles scare you!  The chicken mixture and cheese and covered in a creamy sour cream and green chile sauce.

    The best thing about this chicken enchilada with white sauce recipe is that it's very easy to prep and assemble which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights.

    Ingredients

    • flour tortillas
    • chicken breasts
    • flour
    • butter
    • chicken broth
    • sour cream
    • diced green chiles
    • shredded Mexican Blend cheese
    shredded chicken in bowl with cheese and tortillas for enchiladas

    How to shred chicken

    To prepare the chicken for this recipe I like to throw it in the crock pot in the morning with about a cup of chicken broth and let it cook on high about 4 hours.  You can also use an Instant Pot, leftover chicken, or boiled chicken as well.

    Once the time is up it can easily be shredded with a fork or by throwing into a stand mixer (affiliate link). You can also make this chicken enchilada recipe with rotisserie chicken from your grocery store to make it even faster!

    chicken enchiladas in casserole before adding cheese

    Step by step

    This enchilada recipe couldn't be easier.

    1. Combine the shredded chicken with half of the cheese and then roll the mixture in flour tortillas.
    2. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in a casserole dish.
    3. The sauce is made quickly on the stovetop with butter, flour, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then remove from heat and stir in sour cream and green chiles.
    4. Pour the white sauce over the chicken enchiladas and top with the remaining cheese.
    5. Pop into a preheated oven for 25 minutes, then broil for an additional 5 minutes to get the top nice and toasty brown!

    Serving Suggestions

    I like to serve these chicken enchiladas with lots of topping options!

    Sour cream, cilantro, limes, and avocado or guacamole are all great on top of the enchiladas. For sides I usually make up a batch of rice or serve alongside refried beans.

    overhead view of chicken enchiladas in casserole dish

    FAQs

    Can I make these enchiladas with corn tortillas?

    I personally prefer to make my white chicken enchiladas with flour tortillas.
    If you are gluten free or wish to reduce calories, you can easily make these chicken enchiladas with white sauce with corn tortillas. You will need to warm the corn tortillas before rolling to ensure they do not rip. The texture will be a little different but they will still be delicious!

    How long do leftovers last?

    These enchiladas will store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Can I freeze this recipe?

    These chicken enchiladas freeze up beautifully for easy meal prep! I suggest freezing the uncooked enchiladas and sauce separately so it doesn't get soggy when cooked.
    1. Line a casserole dish with parchment paper. Roll tortillas as usual but do not top with sauce.
    2. Place casserole into the freezer until tortillas are completely frozen. Transfer rolled enchiladas to a freezer bag or container and freeze.
    3. Cook the sauce as described and freeze in a separate container.
    4. When ready to make the enchiladas, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Add the frozen chicken enchiladas to a casserole dish and reheat in an oven at 350 F degrees for about twenty minutes. Pour the thawed sauce over the enchiladas, and bake an additional 30 minutes as instructed below in step 12-13.

    two white chicken enchiladas on a white plate

    You might also like these other Mexican recipes:

    • Easy Green Enchilada Casserole
    • Sweet Potato Black Bean Taquitos
    • Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Tacos

    Still need help meal planning? Check out this huge list of dinner ideas!

    If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    two white chicken enchiladas on white plate

    White Chicken Enchilada Recipe

    ★★★★★ 4.7 from 3 reviews
    • Author: Melissa Riker
    • Prep Time: 20 mins
    • Cook Time: 30 mins
    • Total Time: 50 mins
    • Yield: 8
    • Category: Main
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: Mexican
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    These rich and creamy White Chicken Enchiladas are an easy shredded chicken enchiladas recipe, covered in a simple sour cream and green chile sauce. They are easier than you think, making them a perfect weeknight meal!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 8 flour tortillas
    • 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
    • 3 tbsp flour
    • 3 tbsp butter
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 small can diced green chiles
    • 2 cups shredded Mexican Blend cheese

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Spray a 9 by 13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
    3. Mix together chicken and one half of cheese.
    4. Fill tortillas with chicken and cheese mixture and roll. Place in dish seam-down.
    5. In a small saucepan heat butter until melted.
    6. Add flour and whisk until blended.
    7. Cook one minute.
    8. Add broth and whisk again until smooth.
    9. Allow sauce to thicken and remove from heat.
    10. Stir in sour cream and chiles.
    11. Pour mixture over the enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.
    12. Bake 25 minutes.
    13. Broil an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese.

    Keywords: chicken enchilada, white chicken enchilada, creamy chicken enchilada

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag @thehappierhomemaker — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    This post was originally published in 2013, it has been updated with better pictures and answers to reader questions as of April 2019.

    « 5 Ways to Prepare for Overnight Guests
    Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins with Bacon »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Flipboard

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melissa says

      April 29, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      delish, thanks so much!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. That Sassy Life coach says

      April 10, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      This sounds and looks SO yum! Thanks for sharing 🙂 xx

      Reply
    3. Jen says

      February 02, 2019 at 11:05 pm

      Turned out great! We used leftover chicken from a whole chicken we had cooked the night before. It’s just my husband and I so we halfed the recipe with the exception of the green chilies - used all of them in the sauce because we love that flavor. We also used a 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, chili powder and garlic powder per one of the other reviews about adding a little “kick.” They are turned our great. Thank you for the recipe! This one is a keeper!!!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        February 09, 2019 at 7:22 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it Jen, it's one of our favorites too! ~Melissa

        Reply
    4. Terri S O'Hara says

      February 05, 2018 at 7:43 pm

      I made the chicken enchiladas for the first time on Super Bowl Sunday - huge hit with my husband! I enjoyed them, but they were very gummy and doughy. Suggestions on how to prevent this from happening?

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        February 06, 2018 at 8:27 pm

        The only thing I can think of is that the liquid may have been too deep? Did you use the 9 by 13 baking dish? I will put this on my list of recipes to retest to see if I can figure it out Terri! ~Melissa

        Reply
    5. Tena says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:58 pm

      Easy to make and delicious.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        June 22, 2017 at 5:23 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it Tena! ~Melissa

        Reply
    6. Danielle says

      October 17, 2014 at 1:33 pm

      I am going to try these this weekend! Just curious, do you use a rotisserie chicken? If not, how do you cook your chicken for this dish? Thanks so much!!!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        October 17, 2014 at 2:08 pm

        Hi Danielle,

        I usually put a few chicken breasts in my slow cooker with a cup of chicken broth and leave it to cook on high about 4-5 hours, then I tos it in my stand mixer and it shreds easily! Rotesserie chicken would work fine too! Hope this helps, Melissa

        Reply
    7. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

      July 29, 2014 at 1:18 pm

      These look and sound amazing!! Pinned!

      Reply
    8. Mel says

      April 04, 2014 at 6:05 pm

      Making this for the second time tonight! We love the recipie but swapped the sour cream for non-fat plain Greek yogurt to cut calories/fat. It's still delicious! Thanks

      Reply
    9. Nancy McClendon says

      January 14, 2014 at 7:39 pm

      The recipe is great. But being from Texas, I had to add a little tex-mex to it, so I added 1/4 teaspoon each of, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Gave it a little kick. But the recipe is out of sight! Thanks for sharing it;)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        January 14, 2014 at 7:43 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it Nancy, I'll try it with your "kick" added in next time I make it!!

        Reply
    10. Beth says

      August 08, 2013 at 7:34 pm

      The Enchiladas were a hit at our house tonight!

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        August 08, 2013 at 7:58 pm

        Oh yay! I'm so glad!!

        Reply
    11. Michelle says

      June 26, 2013 at 11:30 am

      Have you tried freezing this recipe? If so, did you bake it before freezing it? And how would you reheat/bake after being frozen?

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        June 26, 2013 at 10:13 pm

        I'm sorry Michelle I have never tried freezing it-if you try it I'd love to hear how it works so I can add that to the post. I'll try it next time!

        Reply
    12. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says

      June 22, 2013 at 8:17 am

      This looks absolutely delicious! Pinned! I popped over from It's Overflowing--thanks for sharing!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        June 23, 2013 at 8:01 am

        Thanks so much Abby!! Hope you're having a great weekend! -Melissa

        Reply
    13. Maria says

      June 21, 2013 at 10:56 pm

      Your enchiladas look AMAZING!!! One of my favorite comfort foods!!!! I always make them with a red sauce, I should give a white sauce a try!!! Sounds delicious!!!!!

      Reply
    14. Laura Beth says

      June 19, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      I just made enchiladas the other night! Love the white sauce :o)

      Reply
    15. Amanda @ Dreamsicle Sisters says

      June 19, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      This look mouth-watering delicious!

      Reply
    16. keri @ shaken together says

      June 19, 2013 at 6:27 am

      Oh YUM!! Pinned to make soon! We love enchiladas in our house!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Melissa

    Hi, I'm Melissa and I have a passion for helping people find effective ways to clean and organize, feed their families, and truly enjoy their homes.
    More about me -->

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Reader Favorites

    close up of instant pot beef stew in white bowl with brown patterned napkin

    Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

    Cinnamon apple bread sliced on a cutting board next to two apples

    Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe

    cinnamon candle in jar with orange bow

    DIY Cinnamon Candles

    hand holding dirty washing machine seal open

    How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine

    More Reader Favorites Here

    30 Minute Meals

    white spoon with Swedish meatballs

    Turkey Swedish Meatballs

    two bowls of chicken and dumplings

    Easy Chicken & Dumplings

    creamy cajun chicken penne pasta in skillet

    Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

    pasta primavera in white bowl

    Pasta Primavera Recipe

    See More

    Featured On:

    collage of logos of major publications and TV networks

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! f

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Featured in:

    website and magazine logo collage

    Copyright © 2022

    18191 shares
    • 302