Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the rich and creamy delight of chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce. This classic Mexican dish is a favorite in many households, offering a perfect blend of tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a velvety sour cream topping. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a dish for a special occasion, chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce are sure to impress. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering meal, explore its origins, and suggest some delicious variations.

The History of Enchiladas

The origin of enchiladas dates back to the Aztec civilization, where tortillas were a staple food. The word “enchilada” is derived from the Spanish word “enchilar,” which means to season with chili. Over time, enchiladas have evolved from a simple street food to a dish that can be found in both casual and fine dining Mexican restaurants worldwide. Today, enchiladas come in various forms, including beef, cheese, and our favorite – chicken with sour cream sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cooked until tender.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling.
• Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for that gooey, melted goodness.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
• Sour Cream: The star of the sauce, bringing tanginess and richness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Minced, to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Onion: Finely chopped, to add a subtle sweetness.
• Cumin: A warm spice that ties all the flavors together.
• Butter and Flour: For creating a roux that thickens the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken breasts in a large pot of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt and cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.

2. Make the Sour Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the sour cream, green chilies, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the sour cream sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take a tortilla, place a generous amount of shredded chicken in the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

4. Bake the Enchiladas

Once all the tortillas are rolled and placed in the dish, pour the remaining sour cream sauce over the top. Sprinkle with more cheese if desired. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Enchiladas

For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add black beans for extra protein.

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

If you like your enchiladas with a kick, add some chopped jalapeños to the sour cream sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Green Enchiladas

Swap the sour cream sauce with a tangy green tomatillo sauce for a different flavor profile. The tartness of the tomatillos pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese.

Enchiladas Verdes

This variation uses a green enchilada sauce made from tomatillos and green chilies. It’s less creamy but equally delicious, with a fresh, tangy taste.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredding the Chicken: For easy shredding, use a hand mixer on low speed to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts quickly.
• Preventing Soggy Enchiladas: To keep your enchiladas from becoming soggy, lightly fry the tortillas in oil before filling and rolling them. This creates a barrier that prevents them from absorbing too much sauce.
• Making Ahead: These enchiladas can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the fridge.

Pairing Suggestions

Chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce are rich and flavorful, so they pair well with lighter sides. Consider serving them with a simple green salad topped with a citrus vinaigrette. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing margarita would be perfect.

Why Sour Cream Sauce is the Best Choice

Sour cream sauce brings a unique tanginess that complements the mild flavor of the chicken and the cheese. Unlike tomato-based sauces, sour cream sauce is smooth and creamy, providing a rich mouthfeel without overpowering the other ingredients. It also helps to mellow the heat from the green chilies, making the dish enjoyable for all palates.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce (one enchilada) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

• Is Yogurt or Sour Cream Better for Cake?: While discussing the role of sour cream in the enchilada sauce, you could mention how sour cream is also used in baking and link to this guide.
• Chicken Taco Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion: When discussing alternative chicken dishes, this link can provide readers with another comforting chicken recipe.
• What Does Adding Sour Cream to Cake Batter Do?: Link to this article when explaining the benefits of sour cream in cooking.

Chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce are a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to try out the suggested variations and pairings to customize your enchiladas to your liking. Happy cooking!