Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken, soft tortillas, and a rich, velvety sauce baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe offers a milder, cream-based alternative to traditional red enchilada sauce, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold flavor without too much heat. I have made these enchiladas for family dinners and gatherings, and they are always met with empty plates and requests for the recipe. The creamy sauce keeps the enchiladas moist and luxurious, while the cheese melts beautifully into every layer. Best of all, this dish is simple to assemble and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
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Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce (Comforting, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce are soft tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, rolled and baked in a rich, creamy sauce with melted cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Mix shredded chicken with 1 cup of the cheese.
- Spoon chicken mixture into tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining creamy sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Chicken
Cooked, shredded chicken forms the hearty base of the enchiladas. Rotisserie chicken works especially well for convenience and flavor.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas roll easily and hold the creamy filling without tearing. Medium-sized tortillas are ideal.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy filling.
Sour Cream
Sour cream brings tang and balances the richness of the sauce.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream forms the base of the creamy enchilada sauce, giving it a silky texture.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth lightens the sauce slightly and adds savory depth.
Shredded Cheese
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and provides balanced flavor.
Green Chiles
Mild green chiles add subtle heat and classic enchilada flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and aroma to the filling.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory flavor profile of the enchiladas.
Butter
Butter is used to sauté the aromatics and start the sauce.
Flour
Flour thickens the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cream cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in the green chiles.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with a portion of the creamy sauce and a handful of shredded cheese.
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the tortillas, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle generously with the remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. Microwave reheating is possible, but oven reheating preserves the best texture.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is very adaptable. For extra flavor, add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the chicken filling. I tested a version with bell peppers, and it added wonderful sweetness and color.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
You can also substitute corn tortillas for a more traditional texture, warming them first to prevent cracking.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and replace heavy cream with milk.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Warm Tortillas
Warm tortillas roll more easily without tearing.
Do Not Overfill
Overfilling makes enchiladas difficult to roll.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Let Rest Before Serving
This helps the enchiladas set and slice cleanly.
Make Ahead Friendly
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it is a great time-saving option.
Are these enchiladas spicy?
They are mild, but heat can be adjusted easily.
Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?
Yes, freeze unbaked enchiladas and bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad work well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, peppers, or corn work well.
Conclusion
Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Sauce are a rich, comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, soft tortillas, and a luxurious sauce in one satisfying dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you crave something warm and cheesy. It is a dependable, crowd-pleasing favorite that belongs in every home cook’s rotation.
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