Creamy Chicken-Filled Tortillas

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

These enchiladas feature shredded chicken mixed with tomatoes, green chilies, and taco seasoning, all rolled in soft flour tortillas. The star is the homemade sour cream sauce—created from a roux of butter and flour, enriched with chicken broth and finished with sour cream. The assembled enchiladas are generously topped with this creamy sauce and Monterey Jack cheese before being baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining!

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sat, 11 Oct 2025 23:11:10 GMT
A white bowl filled with sour cream chicken enchiladas. Pin
A white bowl filled with sour cream chicken enchiladas. | zestplate.com

This creamy, cheesy sour cream chicken enchilada recipe transforms ordinary tortillas into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal your whole family will devour. The rich sour cream sauce blankets perfectly seasoned chicken filling for an irresistible dinner that always satisfies those Mexican food cravings.

I first made these enchiladas when my sister visited during a particularly hectic week, and we needed something that would feed us for multiple meals. Three batches later, this recipe has become our go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, and weekly meal prep sessions.

  • Shredded chicken Provides the protein backbone of these enchiladas. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor
  • Diced tomatoes Adds moisture and acidity to balance the rich sauce. Be sure to drain well to prevent soggy enchiladas
  • Diced green chiles Brings mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor. The small can is perfect
  • Taco seasoning Creates depth without requiring multiple spice jars. Use homemade for best flavor control
  • Butter Forms the base of the roux for a silky smooth sauce. Unsalted lets you control sodium
  • All purpose flour Thickens the sauce perfectly. Measure carefully for best texture
  • Chicken broth Adds savory depth to the sauce. Use low sodium if watching salt intake
  • Sour cream The star ingredient that creates the luscious, tangy sauce. Full fat provides the best texture
  • Flour tortillas Holds everything together beautifully. The 10inch size is ideal for easy rolling
  • Monterey Jack cheese Melts beautifully and complements the tangy sauce. Freshly grated melts more evenly than pre-shredded

How To Make Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Preheat and Prepare
Heat your oven to 400°F while you spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. This temperature creates the perfect environment for melting cheese and crisping tortilla edges while keeping the filling moist. A properly prepared baking dish ensures easy serving and cleanup.
Create the Filling
Combine shredded chicken, drained tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning, and 3/4 cup cheese in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly distributed. This ensures consistent flavor throughout each enchilada. The pre-shredded chicken absorbs the seasoning while the tomatoes and chiles add moisture and zesty flavor.
Make the Sour Cream Sauce
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until completely liquid but not browning. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and smells slightly nutty. This roux creates the foundation for a smooth, lump-free sauce. Gradually add chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil as the sauce thickens. Remove from heat before gently folding in sour cream until completely smooth and velvety.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Pour a thin layer of sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, just enough to prevent sticking. Place about 1/2 cup of filling onto each tortilla, positioning it slightly off-center. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the dish. Tight rolling prevents filling from escaping during baking while the seam-down placement keeps everything secure.
Sauce and Cheese
Pour remaining sauce evenly over the arranged enchiladas, ensuring every inch is covered to prevent drying. The sauce will bake into the tortillas, creating that perfect enchilada texture. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, focusing on even coverage for that Instagram-worthy cheese pull when serving.
Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until three indicators are present: melted, bubbly cheese; sauce bubbling particularly around the edges; and tortillas just beginning to brown at the edges. These visual cues tell you the enchiladas have reached their peak of flavor and texture.

The green chiles in this recipe hold a special place in my heart. My grandmother always kept a stash in her pantry, and the moment I smell them cooking, I'm transported back to her kitchen in New Mexico. Though mild in heat, they bring an authentic southwestern character that transforms this dish from good to unforgettable.

Make-Ahead Magic

These enchiladas are perfect for meal planning. You can assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to enjoy, simply allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, though you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this an ideal prepare-ahead meal for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Customization Corner

Don't feel limited by the recipe as written! These enchiladas welcome creative variations. Try adding black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition. Swap the Monterey Jack for a pepper jack if you prefer more heat, or mix in some crumbled queso fresco for authentic Mexican flair. For those who love extra greenery, finely chopped spinach or kale disappears beautifully into the filling while boosting nutritional value. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to your family's preferences.

A dish of Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas.
A dish of Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

Turn these enchiladas into a complete feast by adding complementary sides. A simple green salad with cilantro-lime dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. Mexican rice makes an authentic pairing, or try a light cucumber and jicama slaw for refreshing crunch. For drinks, a crisp margarita or even just lime-infused water complements the creamy flavors beautifully. Set out small bowls of additional toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or pickled red onions so everyone can customize their plate.

A dish of Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas.
A dish of Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the sauce and cheese, then add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time since they'll be cold from the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with these enchiladas?

These enchiladas pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple green salad, or fresh guacamole. For garnishes, consider fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, or a dollop of extra sour cream.

→ Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, but for best results, freeze them before adding the sour cream sauce. The sauce can separate when frozen. Prepare the enchiladas through the rolling stage, freeze, then thaw and add freshly made sauce before baking.

→ What's the best way to shred chicken for enchiladas?

For easy shredding, use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for just a few seconds. Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor. Just be sure to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking. You'll likely need more corn tortillas as they're typically smaller than flour ones.

→ How spicy are these enchiladas?

These enchiladas are mild to medium, depending on the green chilies and taco seasoning you use. For more heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier cheese blend like pepper jack.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Tender chicken and chilies rolled in tortillas, covered with homemade sour cream sauce and melted cheese. Comforting Mexican-inspired dish.

Preparation Time
25 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Duration
45 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Output: 5 Servings (10 enchiladas)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 1 kg cooked and shredded chicken
02 1 can (410g) diced tomatoes, drained
03 1 can (115g) diced green chiles
04 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

→ Sauce

05 60g unsalted butter
06 30g all-purpose flour
07 430ml chicken broth
08 240g sour cream

→ Assembly

09 10 flour tortillas (25cm)
10 225g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly coat a 23x33cm baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, drained tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning, and 170g of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 03

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and cook the roux until bubbly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until smooth.

Step 04

Pour a thin layer of sauce to coat the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 05

Spoon approximately 120g of chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 06

Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

Step 07

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, sauce is bubbling at the edges, and tortillas begin to brown.

Notes

  1. For best results, allow enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the filling.

Required Equipment

  • 23x33cm baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy (butter, sour cream, cheese)
  • Contains gluten (flour tortillas)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 32 g