There’s something truly magical about a warm, cheesy sour cream chicken enchilada. Imagine biting into an enchilada filled with tender chicken, enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds like a mariachi band at a fiesta. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making everyone wonder if dinner could actually be this good. You can almost hear the angels singing as you pull these beauties out of the oven, bubbling and golden brown.
This sour cream chicken enchilada recipe brings together the flavors of home-cooked comfort food and Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for family gatherings or simply when you need something cozy after a long day. Trust me, every bite is an explosion of flavor that promises to delight your palate and make your loved ones ask for seconds—maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sour cream chicken enchilada recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze
- Its creamy texture and tangy flavor profile will leave everyone craving more
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences by swapping ingredients as needed
I still remember the first time I made these enchiladas for my family. My brother nearly fell off his chair with excitement after the first bite—definitely not a moment I’ll forget.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for optimal filling; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Sour Cream: Look for full-fat sour cream; it adds richness and flavor that low-fat versions can’t match.
Shredded Cheese: Use a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for gooey goodness that melts beautifully.
Canned Green Chiles: These little firecrackers add zing; pick mild or hot depending on your spice tolerance!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for rolling up those delicious fillings without tearing; corn tortillas are fine too if you prefer.
Onion: Choose a sweet onion for natural sweetness that balances the flavors perfectly when sautéed.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add depth and aroma that powdered garlic just can’t compete with.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while ensuring the sauce is flavorful.
Spices (Cumin and Chili Powder): These spices provide warmth and earthiness that elevate the dish.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens everything up; fresh is best!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Prep Your Ingredients**: Gather all your ingredients on the counter and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps everything cook evenly while you assemble.
**Cook the Chicken**: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and cook chopped chicken breasts seasoned with salt until they turn golden brown and fully cooked—about 7-10 minutes should do!
**Sauté Aromatics**: Toss in diced onions and minced garlic into the pan with your chicken. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant—this usually takes around 3-5 minutes.
**Mix Filling Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine sautéed chicken mixture with sour cream, cheese, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and some chicken broth. Stir well until everything is beautifully blended.
**Assemble The Enchiladas**: Take each tortilla and spoon generous amounts of filling down the center. Roll them up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
**Prepare The Sauce**: Pour remaining chicken broth mixed with some extra sour cream over top of the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle additional cheese on top before popping them into the oven.
**Bake To Perfection**: Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—your house will smell heavenly!
Enjoy this delightful sour cream chicken enchilada recipe with friends or family gathered around!
You Must Know
- This delightful sour cream chicken enchilada recipe combines creamy textures and zesty flavors
- You can easily adjust the spice level, making it perfect for any occasion
- The aromas will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a fiesta
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then prepare the sauce while the tortillas warm up for ultimate flavor.
Add Your Touch
Try swapping chicken for shredded beef or adding black beans for extra protein and fiber. Customize toppings with avocado or jalapeños to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, enjoying that cheesy goodness again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh tortillas instead of stale ones for better texture and flavor
- Adjust seasoning according to your crowd’s spice tolerance to ensure everyone enjoys it
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro as a garnish adds a pop of color and flavor!
Sometimes I serve this dish at family gatherings, and everyone begs for seconds—proof that comfort food brings people together!
FAQ
Can I make sour cream chicken enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of cheese is best for these enchiladas?
A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese works wonderfully for flavor and meltiness.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds fantastic flavor to your enchiladas.
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas are a comforting dish bursting with flavor! Tender chicken is enveloped in creamy, zesty goodness, all wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare, this recipe combines classic Mexican flavors with a delightful twist that will impress your loved ones!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
- 1 can (4 oz) mild or hot canned green chiles
- 8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and cook seasoned chopped chicken until golden brown and cooked through (7-10 minutes).
- Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until translucent (3-5 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix the chicken mixture with sour cream, cheese, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and chicken broth.
- Spoon filling into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining broth mixed with sour cream over the enchiladas and sprinkle with additional cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (about 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
