These Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect fusion of flavor and comfort. Wrapped in soft corn tortillas and filled with tender chicken and onions, they’re smothered in a luscious white sauce made from Mexican crema and cream cheese, then topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Every bite is rich, savory, and indulgently creamy, making this dish a guaranteed hit for dinner.
What sets this recipe apart is its simple yet satisfying preparation. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself and your family to something extra special. Whether you’re serving them with a side of rice and beans or enjoying them on their own, these enchiladas deliver authentic flavor with a modern creamy twist that will keep everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
-
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
-
1/2 cup chopped white onion
-
8 corn tortillas
-
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Vegetable oil for softening tortillas
Directions:
-
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1 minute until golden.
-
Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
-
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Add Mexican crema and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a skillet, lightly fry each tortilla in a bit of oil for about 10 seconds per side to soften. Drain on paper towels.
-
Mix the shredded chicken with chopped onion and 2–3 tablespoons of the creamy sauce.
-
Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
-
Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
-
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Comfort of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when soft corn tortillas, savory shredded chicken, and rich, creamy sauce come together in one dish. Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are not just a meal, they’re a comforting embrace of flavor, texture, and tradition. Whether you’re new to Mexican cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation, perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy gatherings.
Unlike the more commonly known red enchiladas (enchiladas rojas) or green enchiladas (enchiladas verdes), this white version focuses on the indulgent textures of cream and cheese. Made with Mexican crema and cream cheese, then topped with melty Monterey Jack, these enchiladas are everything creamy comfort food should be. With minimal spice and a focus on richness, they appeal to kids and adults alike, plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare.
A Glimpse Into the Dish’s Origins
Although creamy enchiladas might seem like a modern Americanized twist on a traditional Mexican dish, their roots are firmly planted in the culinary traditions of northern Mexico. In many homes, particularly in the northern states like Coahuila and Chihuahua, white enchiladas made with crema, or a béchamel-style sauce have been passed down through generations. These versions reflect the local availability of dairy and a preference for mild, savory flavors.
In Tex-Mex cuisine, cream-based enchiladas evolved further to include ingredients like cream cheese and shredded cheese, adding extra depth and richness. This fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with American comfort food ingredients gave rise to what we now commonly call “White Chicken Enchiladas” or “Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas.”
Why Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Are So Loved
One of the best things about this dish is its balance of flavors and textures. The softness of the corn tortillas, the tender juiciness of shredded chicken, the slightly sweet sautéed onions, and the creamy, tangy, garlicky sauce all blend together beautifully. Every forkful is rich, but not overwhelming.
The sauce, in particular, is what makes this dish stand out. A blend of butter, flour, chicken broth, crema, and cream cheese creates a velvety texture that hugs every tortilla. When you bake everything together and the cheese begins to bubble and brown, you get that golden top layer that’s irresistibly delicious.
Ingredient Spotlight
Corn Tortillas
Authentic Mexican enchiladas are made with corn tortillas. Their earthy flavor and soft texture after a quick fry or warm-up add authenticity and richness to the final dish. Softening the tortillas in oil before rolling prevents them from cracking and enhances their flavor.
Chicken
You can use rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or shredded leftover roasted chicken, whatever is available and convenient. The seasoning is minimal because the sauce does all the heavy lifting. Adding a bit of chopped onion to the filling brings a subtle sweetness and a traditional touch.
Cream Sauce
The star of this recipe is the luscious white sauce. A simple roux (butter and flour) forms the base, enriched with chicken broth, crema, and cream cheese. The result is a silky, slightly tangy, and rich coating that wraps every bite in comforting flavor.
Cheese
Monterey Jack is the cheese of choice for its meltability and mild flavor. However, you can switch it up with Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or mozzarella if you’re looking to experiment.
Customization Tips
One of the strengths of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas is how customizable they are. Here are a few variations you can try depending on your preferences or what you have on hand:
-
Add Green Chiles: If you want a subtle kick, add a can of diced green chiles to the chicken filling.
-
Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the filling for extra nutrients.
-
Use Flour Tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas, go for it, they will work just fine, although the flavor will be slightly different.
-
Spice It Up: Mix a little cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or hot sauce into the cream sauce for a spicier version.
-
Make it Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh pico de gallo salad. For something lighter, a crisp romaine or cabbage slaw with lime vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. A squeeze of lime on top of the enchiladas adds brightness and balances the richness.
Don’t forget the garnishes! Freshly chopped cilantro, a drizzle of crema, or sliced jalapeños can elevate the visual appeal and taste. You can even top with avocado slices for extra indulgence.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are excellent for meal prep. You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For freezing, assemble the enchiladas in a foil pan, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Health Considerations
Though undeniably indulgent, this dish can be modified to better suit dietary needs. Use low-fat cream cheese and light sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Incorporate whole grain corn tortillas and add vegetables to increase fiber and nutrition. For a lower-carb version, use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas and skip the flour roux.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are more than just a delicious meal, they’re a celebration of comfort, tradition, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a meal for guests, or simply indulging in a rich and flavorful dinner, this dish never disappoints.
Its creamy texture, savory chicken filling, and irresistible melted cheese make it a recipe that people remember and request over and over again. Even better, it’s flexible enough to adapt to your taste preferences and lifestyle. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.
So grab your skillet, warm up those tortillas, and get ready to experience one of the most satisfying dishes Mexican cuisines has to offer, because comfort food should never be boring.