The moment you walk into a home filled with the aroma of chicken enchiladas with white sauce, your taste buds start doing a happy dance. Picture this: warm tortillas hugging succulent chicken, smothered in a creamy, dreamy white sauce that’s just begging to be devoured. The combination of flavors and textures creates a culinary symphony that’s hard to resist.
As you take your first bite, the cheesy goodness melts in your mouth while the spices tickle your palate. Memories flood back of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the irresistible scent of these enchiladas wafting through the air. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is straightforward and accessible for all cooking levels, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavor profile combines savory and creamy elements that create pure comfort food
- Its visual appeal will make your dinner table look like a five-star restaurant spread
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients, these enchiladas are sure to become a household favorite
Eating these enchiladas has become a cherished tradition in my family; they always bring smiles and requests for more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts are perfect for shredding and absorbing all those flavorful sauces.
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Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for their softness and ability to hold all that goodness inside.
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White Sauce (Cream Sauce): A creamy blend of milk, butter, flour, and spices is essential for that luscious coating.
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Shredded Cheese: Choose a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a melty texture and rich flavor.
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Onion: Chopped onions add sweetness; sauté them until translucent to release their natural sugars.
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Green Chiles: Canned green chiles bring just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the flavor.
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Cumin and Oregano: These spices add depth and warmth; don’t skip them if you want authentic flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin before baking for about 25 minutes until cooked through.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. It should fall apart effortlessly; that’s when you know it’s perfectly cooked.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—around 5 minutes will do!
Make the White Sauce: In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk until thickened—about 5-7 minutes. Add green chiles and spices.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Take a tortilla, fill it generously with shredded chicken and cheese mixture. Roll it up tightly and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
Bake Until Golden: Pour rich white sauce over assembled enchiladas before sprinkling more cheese on top. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy diving into this comfort food classic that brings joy not just to your plate but also warms your heart!
You Must Know
- Chicken enchiladas with white sauce are not only delicious; they offer a creamy twist that elevates the traditional recipe
- With the right balance of spices, these enchiladas can be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- The aroma will have everyone flocking to your kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken first, then prepare your white sauce while the tortillas warm up. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and hot when you assemble.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add veggies like spinach for extra flavor. Experimenting keeps things exciting and personalized!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for crispy edges or microwave for convenience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect chicken enchiladas with white sauce, use freshly shredded cheese for optimal meltiness
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; it’s key for flavor
- Lastly, let your sauce cool slightly before pouring it over the enchiladas to avoid sogginess
Sharing my first attempt at chicken enchiladas brings back hilarious memories; I accidentally used salt instead of sugar in the sauce! A culinary disaster turned into a family laugh fest.
FAQ
Can I make chicken enchiladas with white sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them but wait to bake until you’re ready to serve.
What toppings go well with chicken enchiladas with white sauce?
Consider toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of lime juice.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables for a tasty variation.
Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce are a comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, warm tortillas, and a creamy white sauce. With a blend of spices and gooey cheese, these enchiladas offer a delightful burst of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for more. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste. Bring joy to your kitchen with this crowd-pleaser that turns every meal into a memorable occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 6 flour tortillas
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin. Bake for about 25 minutes until cooked through.
- Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk and whisk until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Add green chiles and spices.
- Take a tortilla, fill it with shredded chicken and cheese mixture, roll tightly, and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour white sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
