White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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If you’re anything like me, some nights call for a hearty, creamy, comforting dinner that comes together with minimal effort. That’s where this White Chicken Enchilada Casserole shines. It’s everything I love about classic enchiladas—tender chicken, savory cheese, a hint of spice—layered into a warm, bubbly, golden-topped dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing.

I first made this on a whim with leftover rotisserie chicken and a craving for something cheesy. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly it would become a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. If you love Tex-Mex flavors but want a twist from the traditional red sauce, this creamy white enchilada version is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—with melty cheese, juicy shredded chicken, and soft tortillas all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prep ahead, bake when you need it, and it’s the kind of dish that gets better as leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish has you covered.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas give a softer, more pillowy texture and tend to soak up the creamy sauce better. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, add a slightly more traditional flavor and hold their structure well. I personally love using flour tortillas for this casserole—they roll up beautifully and get that perfect, tender texture once baked.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how flexible it is:

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even leftover turkey.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend all work great.
• Cream Sauce: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
• Add-ins: Toss in black beans, corn, or sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor and texture.

This recipe is forgiving, so don’t be afraid to play around with what you have on hand.

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Ingredients for This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Shredded Chicken – The protein-packed base of this dish. I prefer using rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
• Flour Tortillas – They hold the filling together and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Green Chiles – These add mild heat and a smoky tang that balances the richness of the sauce.
• Sour Cream – Essential for creating the creamy white enchilada sauce that defines this recipe.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds body, depth, and an ultra-smooth texture to the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese – A blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar gives the perfect gooey melt and flavor punch.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These simple seasonings boost flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Ground Cumin – Brings warmth and earthiness, giving that signature Tex-Mex flavor.
• Corn Kernels (optional) – Adds a pop of sweetness and a little crunch.
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) – Brings brightness and a fresh finish to each bite.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Stir until fully blended. This luscious sauce is the heart of the casserole.

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Step 3: Mix the Filling

In another bowl, combine shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheese, corn (if using), and about one-third of the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

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Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Scoop a generous amount of the chicken filling onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Keep going until all the filling is used.

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Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Use a spatula to spread it out so it covers every inch. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese generously over the top.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, creamy goodness!

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How Long to Prepare the White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Preparation Time: You’ll need about 15–20 minutes to prepare everything. That includes mixing the sauce, assembling the filling, rolling the tortillas, and arranging the casserole. If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, the process is even quicker.

Baking Time: The casserole bakes in two phases—20 minutes covered with foil and another 10–15 minutes uncovered. This gives the cheese time to melt completely and develop that golden top we all love.

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Tips for Perfect White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better and has no added anti-caking agents.
• Don’t overstuff the tortillas; it makes rolling tricky and can cause tearing.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set properly.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of salsa verde when serving for a fresh kick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold ingredients: They can make the sauce clumpy and uneven.
• Skipping the foil during the first bake: This can dry out the top before the inside is heated through.
• Overbaking: The casserole can dry out or the cheese can become rubbery.
• Not tasting the sauce: Adjust salt or seasoning before pouring it over the tortillas.
• Using thin tortillas: They can get soggy or break apart too easily.

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What to Serve With White Chicken Enchilada Casserole?

1. Mexican Rice

The classic side dish—fluffy, tomato-rich rice that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.

2. Refried Beans

Creamy and savory, these make a comforting and hearty partner to the casserole.

3. Fresh Guacamole

A bright, creamy contrast that brings freshness to every bite.

4. Southwest Salad

A crunchy salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing balances the richness of the casserole.

5. Chips and Salsa

Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce and adding a bit of crunch to the meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish tightly. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture will be softer.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Use slightly thicker flour tortillas and don’t overload them with sauce. Baking covered first and then uncovered helps balance texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Monterey Jack is my favorite for its creamy melt, but a Mexican blend or Pepper Jack also work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—use gluten-free tortillas and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade roux-based sauce.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild kick from the green chiles, but nothing overwhelming. You can dial up the spice by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.

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Conclusion

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the kind of dish that delivers cozy, feel-good satisfaction with every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks where you want to impress with minimal stress. Creamy, cheesy, and customizable—this casserole is bound to be a regular on your menu. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a keeper!

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