If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner, let me introduce you to the Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich, tangy sour cream sauce that’s perfectly spiced and cheesy. It’s a flavorful combination that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, turning a few simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels warm and homemade. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic spices to the creamy sauce, every element is essential to making these enchiladas shine.
- Vegetable oil: For sautéing the onions and chicken to golden perfection without overpowering other flavors.
- Onion, chopped: Brings a natural sweetness and depth when softened gently.
- Garlic, minced: Adds an irresistible savory aroma that wakes up your taste buds.
- Ground cumin: Offers that warm, earthy note classic to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy brightness that complements the cumin beautifully.
- Chicken breast, diced: The tender, protein-packed filling that makes these enchiladas hearty and satisfying.
- Flour tortillas, softened: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling without cracking.
- Cheddar cheese, grated: Divided between filling and topping, it melts into gooey, savory pockets of goodness.
- Butter: Creates the creamy base of the sauce and boosts richness.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious, smooth consistency.
- Chicken stock: Adds a savory backbone to the sauce and keeps it light yet flavorful.
- Sour cream: The signature ingredient that brings tanginess and creaminess to the sauce.
- Diced green chiles: Provide a mild heat and vibrant texture kick.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish to finish and brighten the dish.
How to Make Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures your enchiladas won’t stick and the baking process can go smoothly from start to finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook gently until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic along with cumin and coriander—cooking for just 30 seconds lets those spices bloom perfectly. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, creating the flavorful filling centerpiece of your enchiladas.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sour Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Keep stirring until it becomes bubbly, then gradually whisk in the chicken stock, making sure there are no lumps. Bring this mixture to a boil until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in sour cream and diced green chiles. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper; this sauce is where all the creamy tang and gentle spice come alive.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of your homemade sauce on the bottom of the baking dish—this keeps the tortillas from sticking. Lay out each softened flour tortilla and add a tablespoon of grated cheddar cheese, then spoon on some of the cooked chicken mixture. Roll the tortillas up snugly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish, creating a neat row of delicious parcels.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining sour cream sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one gets covered generously. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top for a beautifully melted, golden finish. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, and the sauce is thick and inviting.
Step 6: Let and Garnish
After baking, let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes to set up and cool just slightly. If you love that burst of fresh herbaceousness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the top right before serving. These little touches make all the difference!
How to Serve Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your enchiladas with fresh cilantro adds a delightful herbaceous note and bright color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve these enchiladas with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. The sides should complement the richness and bring some texture or brightness alongside the creamy main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving your enchiladas in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for single servings. You can also top them with sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a drizzle of chipotle sauce for an adventurous twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Each reheated portion tastes just as comforting and delicious as when freshly baked.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but hold off on baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover enchiladas covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For faster reheating, microwave on medium power until hot, though the oven will help retain that delightful texture better.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the sautéed onions, garlic, and spices before assembling your enchiladas.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Sure thing! Add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture or increase the amount of diced green chiles in the sauce. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for more heat according to your preference.
Can I substitute the flour tortillas for corn tortillas?
You can, but corn tortillas are less pliable and may crack when rolling. To avoid this, warm them well before assembling or lightly fry them to make them more flexible.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as is, because of the flour in the sauce and the flour tortillas. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce and use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
The Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake, making it a speedy yet impressive meal perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Final Thoughts
From the warm, tender chicken filling to the creamy, tangy sour cream sauce blanketing every bite, the Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy, satisfying dish!
