Homemade Sour Cream Enchiladas

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Soft flour tortillas are filled with seasoned, juicy chicken and sautéed onions, then rolled up and arranged in a baking dish. A buttery roux forms the base for a tangy sauce made with chicken broth, sour cream, and green chiles, poured generously over the stuffed tortillas. Finished with a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese, these enchiladas are baked until bubbly and golden. The combination of creamy sauce and savory filling creates a comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends. Serve hot, garnished as desired, for a crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex classic.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 19 May 2025 19:09:50 GMT
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These homemade sour cream enchiladas are pure comfort food loaded with tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with the creamiest sauce ever. The bubbling cheese and rich savory flavor make this a meal my family asks for every week especially when we want something that warms us up and feels special without a lot of work.

The first time I tried these was during a potluck with my neighbors and I remember the dish disappearing in minutes Everyone wanted the recipe and I now make two pans to keep up with demand

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: diced makes the filling hearty and protein packed Choose fresh organic chicken if possible for best flavor
  • Yellow onion: chopped adds sweet sharp depth to the filling Look for firm onions with shiny skins
  • Vegetable oil: helps brown the chicken without burning Use canola or sunflower as an alternative
  • Flour tortillas: provide a soft tender wrap for the enchilada Go for freshly made tortillas if you can
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend: adds a melting gooey touch and richness Try Monterey Jack or cheddar if you want a single cheese
  • Butter: starts the sauce with a savory base Choose real butter for fullness and flavor
  • All purpose flour: thickens the sauce and makes it silky smooth Pick unbleached if possible
  • Chicken broth: gives the sauce savory backbone Use homemade or low sodium for better control of salt
  • Sour cream: finishes the sauce with tangy creamy goodness Go for full fat for lush texture
  • Green chiles: offer a mellow spicy kick and citrusy note Choose mild or hot depending on your crowd

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken and Onion:
In a medium skillet add the vegetable oil and cook diced chicken and onion over medium heat Stir regularly to ensure even browning and wait until the chicken is just cooked through and the onions are translucent This step is the foundation of flavor and adding a spoonful of taco seasoning turns it up even more
Fill the Tortillas:
Evenly divide the cooked chicken mixture between tortillas Spoon chicken right down the center to keep things tidy Sprinkle each with a bit of cheese before rolling This layering locks in moisture and keeps everything flavorful
Roll and Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Carefully roll the filled tortillas smoked tight and place them seam side down in a lightly greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan Tucking them in close keeps them from unrolling or drying out
Make the Sauce:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat then whisk in the flour Allow the mixture to cook gently for roughly two minutes This builds structure for your sauce so it is creamy not lumpy
Whisk in Chicken Broth:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth stirring constantly Watch as the sauce becomes smooth and starts to bubble then keep stirring until it thickens This only takes a few minutes but makes all the difference
Finish the Sauce with Sour Cream and Chiles:
Remove the skillet from heat before adding sour cream and green chiles Stir gently to combine The sauce should be velvety and fragrant with just the right hint of heat
Top and Bake:
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the prepared enchiladas in the pan Make sure each tortilla is smothered for best moisture and flavor Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top Slide into a hot oven at four hundred degrees for about twenty minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is a golden melty layer
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My favorite part is how the sour cream sauce transforms from ordinary to lavish in just minutes and I love how my kids beg for extra sauce on the side It brings back memories of my mom making Sunday dinner and the kitchen smelling like cheesy goodness

Storage Tips

Once cooled cover the enchiladas tightly and refrigerate for up to three days For longer storage they freeze beautifully either all together in the baking dish or as individual portions To reheat bake at three hundred fifty degrees covered until piping hot or pop a single serving in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Try cooked shredded rotisserie chicken instead of diced chicken for convenience If you need gluten free use corn tortillas and a gluten free flour blend for the roux Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a tangier sauce and a bit less fat

Serving Suggestions

I love these enchiladas with a simple green salad and maybe a scoop of seasoned black beans For a fun Tex Mex night put out salsa fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for toppings Sometimes I sneak in some corn or sautéed peppers to make it even heartier

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Cultural Context

Enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican and Tex Mex home cooking where families gather to share comforting filled tortillas topped with sauce My recipe leans into Tex Mex traditions by using a creamy sour cream sauce rather than a classic chile based sauce making it just right for busy weeknights and picky eaters

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken is best for enchiladas?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, diced and cooked until tender with onion and seasoning for flavorful filling.

→ How do I keep tortillas from cracking?

Warm the tortillas slightly before filling; this makes them more pliable and helps prevent cracking while rolling.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be substituted if preferred. Lightly warm them to help with rolling and prevent tearing.

→ Is the sauce spicy?

The sauce is mild and creamy, with subtle heat from green chiles. Adjust chiles to taste for more or less spice.

→ Can these enchiladas be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assemble ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Homemade Sour Cream Enchiladas

Tender chicken wrapped in tortillas, baked in a creamy sour cream sauce and topped with melted cheese.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Filling

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, diced
02 1 onion, chopped
03 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Tortillas

04 8-10 flour tortillas

→ Cheese and Sauce

05 1 1/2 cups Mexican cheese, shredded
06 1/4 cup butter
07 1/4 cup flour
08 15 oz chicken broth
09 1 cup sour cream
10 4 oz green chiles

Steps

Step 01

Cook chicken and onion in vegetable oil over medium heat in a skillet until chicken is fully cooked and onion is tender. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon taco seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 02

Divide cooked chicken evenly among the tortillas. Add 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on top of the chicken in each tortilla. Roll the tortillas and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 03

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cook until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and green chiles.

Step 04

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tortillas in the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top of the sauce.

Step 05

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake enchiladas for 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Tips

  1. Opt for pre-cooked or shredded rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative.

Required Tools

  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy products including cheese, sour cream, and butter.
  • Contains flour tortillas, which may include gluten.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 579
  • Fats: 40 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 26 g