Description
This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, combining shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and a rich white sauce made from chicken broth, sour cream, and spices. Layered with soft flour tortillas and baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for a comforting Mexican-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Others
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, diced green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Make the White Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a spoonful of the white sauce on the bottom. Arrange 4 tortillas to cover the base evenly. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then add a layer of the white sauce over the chicken.
- Layer Again: Repeat the layering with the remaining 4 tortillas, the rest of the chicken mixture, and the remaining sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top layer. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Add chopped spinach or black beans to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and texture.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and adds rich flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
