This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a rich white sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The addition of green chiles adds a subtle kick, while the sour cream and cream cheese make the sauce irresistibly smooth. Serve it with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
- 3 cups shredded & diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (divided use)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (low or no-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 4-ounce can diced green chiles , undrained
- 12 taco-size flour tortillas (corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a paste (this is called a roux).
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth , ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream , cream cheese (if using), and diced green chiles . Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder , salt , and pepper . Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese , and half of the white sauce. Stir until the chicken is well-coated.
- Spread a thin layer of the remaining white sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place a layer of 6 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Add another layer of 6 tortillas on top of the chicken mixture.
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the second layer of tortillas.
- Top with the final layer of 6 tortillas .
- Pour the remaining white sauce over the top layer of tortillas, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.
- If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
- Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy as-is or with toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
Tips for Success
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and mix it into the filling.
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a rich white sauce creates layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings or spice levels. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving comfort food, this casserole is sure to please.
Indulge in this creamy, dreamy dish—it’s comfort food at its finest!
