White enchilada sauce is a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s a hit in Mexican cuisine. It’s made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese. This mix creates a smooth, rich sauce with a mild taste. It’s perfect for enchiladas or as a topping for other Mexican dishes.
Key Takeaways:
- White enchilada sauce is a creamy, cheesy sauce made with a roux of butter and flour.
- Key ingredients include chicken broth, milk, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- The sauce provides a rich, velvety texture and mild flavor that complements enchilada fillings.
- It can be used as a versatile topping or dip for various Mexican dishes.
- The sauce is easy to prepare, with a recipe that can be completed in under 20 minutes.
Introduction to White Enchilada Sauce
White enchilada sauce is a tasty twist on the classic red version. It has a creamy, cheesy taste that goes well with shredded chicken and cheese. You can also use it as a topping or dip for Mexican dishes, adding a rich flavor.
In this article, we’ll look at how to make a delicious white enchilada sauce from scratch. If you want to try something new or change up your enchilada game, this white enchilada sauce recipe will impress you.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 533 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 5 |
White enchilada sauce is different from other mexican sauce alternatives. It’s made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and creamy ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream. This mix gives it a thick, velvety texture that enhances the enchilada fillings.
Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas
Try the white chicken enchilada recipe for a comforting meal. It has shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and flour tortillas. These creamy white chicken enchiladas are a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients Needed
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Then, whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This makes a roux.
Next, pour in the chicken broth slowly, whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
Now, place a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon some shredded chicken and Monterey Jack cheese down the center. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas, chicken, and cheese.
Pour the creamy white sauce over the enchiladas. Make sure they’re evenly coated. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re hot and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Enjoy these white chicken enchiladas with your favorite Mexican dishes. Try them with Mexican rice or refried beans. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese are irresistible.
What is white enchilada sauce made of?
The secret to white enchilada sauce’s creamy texture is its ingredients. It starts with a roux, made by mixing butter and flour. This creates a smooth base. Then, chicken broth is added, turning it into a rich sauce.
Milk, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese are added next. These ingredients make the sauce even creamier and more flavorful.
Key Ingredients
- Butter and flour – These form the roux, the thickening agent that gives the sauce its velvety consistency.
- Chicken broth – This provides the savory, umami backbone of the sauce.
- Milk – Contributes to the creamy texture and richness.
- Sour cream – Adds a tangy, cultured note that balances the other flavors.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Melts seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing the creaminess.
- Salt, pepper, and other seasonings – These allow you to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
Preparation Method
To make the white enchilada sauce, start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the milk, sour cream, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Making Perfect White Enchilada Sauce
Making creamy, flavorful white enchilada sauce can take your homemade enchiladas to the next level. To make sure your white sauce is perfect every time, remember these tips:
- Whisk the broth into the roux slowly and consistently to avoid lumps.
- Don’t let the roux get too dark. Cook it until it’s bubbly and has lost its raw flour taste.
- Be careful not to overheat the sauce after adding dairy. This can cause it to curdle or separate.
- Taste and season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to get the perfect flavor.
- For an extra creamy texture, try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to making a rich, silky-smooth white enchilada sauce. Your enchiladas will be a hit with your family and friends. Get ready to impress with your homemade white sauce expertise!
Serving Suggestions
White chicken enchiladas are great with many Mexican-inspired sides. Some top picks include:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Elote (Mexican street corn)
- Guacamole and fresh salsa
- Warm tortilla chips
The creamy sauce goes well with these sides. You can also add a fresh green salad for a full meal.
Delicious Pairings
There are many choices for what to serve with white chicken enchiladas. The enchiladas’ creamy taste pairs well with sides that add color and flavor.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Cilantro Lime Rice | The bright, herbal notes of cilantro and tang of lime perfectly balance the richness of the enchiladas. |
| Refried or Black Beans | The creamy, savory beans complement the creamy white sauce and add filling protein. |
| Elote (Mexican Street Corn) | The sweet, charred corn kernels provide a tasty textural contrast to the soft enchiladas. |
| Guacamole and Salsa | The cool, fresh flavors of the avocado, tomato, and herbs brighten up the dish. |
| Tortilla Chips | Crunchy, salty chips are the perfect accompaniment for scooping up every last bit of the white sauce. |
Pairing white chicken enchiladas with these sides makes a complete, satisfying meal. It’s sure to impress your guests.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover white chicken enchiladas, you can store them for later. It’s important to keep them fresh. This way, you can enjoy them again soon.
To store them in the fridge, put them in an airtight container. They stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, just put them in the oven or microwave until warm.
For longer storage, freeze the enchiladas. Assemble them in a dish but don’t bake. Cover it well and freeze. The white chicken enchiladas will last 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge, then bake as you did before.
Storing white enchilada sauce is easy too. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating for your next meal.
With these tips, you can enjoy your white chicken enchiladas again and again. Whether you refrigerate or freeze, they’ll stay delicious. This way, you can enjoy every bite.
Variations and Customizations
The classic white enchilada sauce is rich and creamy. But, you can make it your own with different twists. Whether you want it spicy or low-fat, these changes can make your enchiladas special.
Spicy Twist
Want a bit of heat? Turn the white enchilada sauce into a spicy white enchilada sauce. Just add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This adds a delightful kick for those who love spice.
Dietary Adjustments
Need a low-fat version? Make a low-fat white enchilada sauce by using low-fat ingredients. Swap butter for olive oil or plant-based butter. Use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream. For vegetarian enchiladas with white sauce, skip the chicken and use tofu or black beans.
White enchilada sauce is very versatile. By trying out different ingredients and methods, you can make it fit your diet. This way, you can enjoy delicious and healthy enchilada dishes.
Nutrition Facts
White chicken enchiladas with creamy white enchilada sauce are packed with nutrients. A single serving gives you:
- Calories: 502
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 31g
- Sodium: 1044mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
This dish is high in protein thanks to the chicken and creamy sauce. The sauce is made with cottage cheese, cream cheese, and cotija cheese. It’s a nutritious choice for a weeknight meal. Check out this link for more on white enchilada sauce nutrition and nutritional information for white chicken enchiladas.
Looking for a high-protein meal or something comforting and flavorful? White chicken enchiladas with creamy sauce are perfect. Serve it with a side salad or Mexican-inspired sides for a complete meal.
Conclusion:What is white enchilada sauce made of?
White enchilada sauce has become a favorite in Mexican cuisine. It’s a creamy alternative to red enchilada sauce. Made with a roux, chicken broth, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese, it’s rich and mild.
This sauce is great with shredded chicken, cheese, and other fillings. It’s perfect for smothering white chicken enchiladas or as a dip. It’s a new favorite for many families.
White enchilada sauce is easy to make and has many uses. It adds creaminess and flavor to Mexican dishes. It’s a must-try for those who love why white enchilada sauce is delicious and white sauce as Mexican cuisine staple.
This sauce is adaptable and adds a special touch to dishes. It’s great for those who want to try something new in Mexican cuisine. It’s sure to impress and delight.