If there’s one dish that perfectly balances creamy, cheesy indulgence with bold, satisfying flavor, it’s this Creamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and mild green chiles, then tucked into soft tortillas and smothered in a rich white sauce. Topped with melty Monterey Jack cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole is pure comfort food.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights, this recipe comes together easily with a few simple ingredients, yet it feels indulgent enough for a special occasion. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The luscious white enchilada sauce sets this recipe apart.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Great Use for Leftover Chicken: A perfect recipe for rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead, freeze, and bake when needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the White Enchilada Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For Assembly:

• 10 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Let’s break this down step-by-step so you can recreate this creamy, cheesy masterpiece with ease!

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together:

• Shredded chicken,
• Softened cream cheese,
• Sour cream,
• Diced green chiles,
• Ground cumin, and
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. This filling is the heart of the dish, so make sure it’s evenly mixed.

Tip: Using rotisserie chicken makes this step even faster—just shred and add it in!

Step 2: Make the White Enchilada Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in the diced green chiles, sour cream, and ½ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

This creamy white sauce brings everything together—it’s velvety, rich, and packed with flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon an even amount of the chicken filling into the center, then roll it up tightly.
4. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until the dish is full.

Tip: For easy assembly, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave so they’re pliable and don’t tear.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Pour the creamy white enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve warm and watch everyone dig into this cheesy, creamy masterpiece!

Helpful Tips

• Shortcut Tip: Use rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s already tender, flavorful, and ready to shred.
• Cheese Options: Mix Monterey Jack with Pepper Jack for a little extra spice.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Notes

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a time-saving shortcut, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
2. Warming Tortillas: Slightly warm the tortillas in the microwave to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
3. Cheese Variations: Add Pepper Jack cheese for a bit of spice, or mix in a Mexican blend for extra flavor.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
5. Freezing Tip: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
6. Add Spice: For a spicier kick, stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or sauce.

Calories

Approximately 420 kcal per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas work well too. Just warm them slightly before rolling to prevent tearing.

Q: How can I make this spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños to the filling, use Pepper Jack cheese, or mix a bit of hot sauce into the white enchilada sauce.

Q: Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend would work.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake straight from frozen.

 

Related Recipes

If you love this recipe, try these other comforting dishes:

• Hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole with Rice

Conclusion

This Creamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect blend of cheesy, creamy comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. With its rich white sauce, tender chicken filling, and bubbly cheese topping, every bite is a little taste of heaven.

Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print