Introduction

This Creamy Chicken recipe offers a rich and flavorful twist on classic enchiladas. Tender shredded chicken is combined with a velvety white sauce and melted cheeses, wrapped in soft tortillas, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

A rectangular dark baking dish holds three rolled crepes side by side, covered with a thick layer of creamy white cheese sauce that is slightly browned and bubbly on top, showing golden toasted spots. The edges of the crepes peek through the sauce, showing a soft, light beige texture. Fresh green chopped herbs are scattered evenly over the melted cheese, adding a fresh color contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred plate of herbs in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8-10 medium flour tortillas
3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small onion, diced
3 tablespoons butter (for white sauce)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux)
2 cups chicken broth (for white sauce)
1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth paste and turns light golden. This is the base for your white sauce.
Step 2: Slowly add chicken broth to the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced onion, green chiles, cilantro, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix until evenly incorporated to create the filling.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom.
Step 5: Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly and arrange them seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Step 6: Pour the remaining white sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Tips & Variations

For added heat, use green chiles with a bit of spice or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Swap out Monterey Jack and cheddar with pepper jack for a smoky, spicy flavor.
Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising taste.
Make the white sauce ahead and refrigerate it; gently reheat before assembling to save time on the day you cook.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Avoid reheating repeatedly to maintain sauce texture and cheese melt.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three rolled tortillas filled and placed side by side in a black baking dish, covered with a thick layer of melted white cheese that is browned in spots, giving a golden color on top; a creamy white sauce surrounds the rolls with a smooth texture, and chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the cheese’s bubbly texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used, though they are more delicate and may need to be warmed and handled gently to prevent tearing during assembly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with cooked vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version. Just adjust seasoning and sauce as needed.