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I came across this dish when I was bored with traditional red enchiladas. Now my family absolutely loves these! They're incredibly rich with loads of cheese and that delicious tangy sauce. Even my fussy kindergartener who normally tears apart everything on her plate asks for more. After one taste at our recent taco night, my next-door neighbor wouldn't stop asking me to share how I made them!
What Makes This Dish Fantastic
The best thing about these enchiladas? They're totally simple to put together, particularly when you're short on time. Grabbing a pre-cooked chicken while running errands means dinner's done super fast. My little ones actually jump up and down when the cheesy smell fills the house! That smooth white sauce isn't as spicy as the red kind, so everyone at the table enjoys it. I couldn't believe it when my husband's mom wanted to know how to make them - she never does that!
Your Shopping List
- Tortillas: Go for the smaller flour variety
- Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken saves tons of time
- Monterey Jack: Buy it unshredded and grate it yourself for better melting
- Butter and Flour: These create your base for the sauce
- Chicken Broth: This gives the sauce its wonderful taste
- Sour Cream: Brings that wonderful creaminess and tang
- Green Chilies: Just use the small can of mild ones
- Green Onions: These go on as the finishing touch
Cooking Instructions
- Getting Started
- Turn your oven on and find a large baking dish give it a good coating or you'll have a sticky mess.
- Creating The Stuffing
- Combine your pulled chicken with part of the cheese. I always end up tasting some while I work!
- Wrapping It Up
- Scoop filling onto each tortilla wrap them up and arrange them in your dish. They should all fit nicely together.
- Creating The Amazing Sauce
- Start with melted butter mix in flour then gradually add broth until thick. Let it cool down before mixing in sour cream and chilies. This stuff tastes so amazing you'll want to lick the spoon!
- Finishing Touches
- Drizzle that fantastic sauce over your wrapped tortillas then scatter all the remaining cheese on top. You can't go wrong with extra!
Tips From Experience
Don't rush adding sour cream to hot sauce or you'll end up with a lumpy mess. Taking time to grate cheese yourself really pays off in how smoothly it melts. And definitely try a quick broil at the end those crispy cheese bits are absolutely worth it!
Customization Ideas
I sometimes mix chopped onions with the chicken or add a bit of garlic powder to boost the sauce. My sister prefers using pepper jack cheese for a spicier version. You can easily hide some vegetables inside if your kids don't usually eat them!
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Perfect Side Dishes
These taste amazing with a side of Mexican rice or beans. My children love having chips and guacamole alongside them. When we want something fancy I'll throw some diced fresh tomatoes and cilantro on top before serving.
Prep Ahead Options
You can get these ready the evening before just wrap them well and store in your fridge. I've also frozen them before cooking which works great during hectic weeks. Just remember to move them to the fridge to thaw overnight before you plan to cook them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these in advance?
You can roll the enchiladas beforehand but wait to make the sauce fresh. The creamy sauce separates if left for too long.
- → Why should the sauce cool first?
If the sauce is too hot, it might cause the sour cream to curdle. Cooling it a bit keeps it smooth and creamy.
- → Can they be frozen?
Freezing works best without the sauce. Add the sauce fresh when you're ready to bake, as cream sauces can turn grainy in the freezer.
- → What’s the best chicken to use?
For convenience, rotisserie chicken works wonders. Leftovers, or baked or boiled chicken, are great too.
- → Can I swap tortillas for corn ones?
Flour tortillas stay sturdy and hold up better with the creamy sauce. Corn ones might fall apart or get too soft.
Conclusion
These enchiladas are comfort in a casserole dish. Tender cooked chicken, melty cheese, and a creamy sour cream sauce make for a quick, hearty dinner your family will ask for again and again.