When you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and quick to make, enchiladas are always a great choice. Packed with delicious chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and topped with melted cheese, this quick & tasty sour cream chicken enchilada recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step guide on how to make the best sour cream chicken enchiladas. This recipe is not only super easy to prepare, but it also features a creamy, tangy sour cream sauce that adds a special twist to the traditional enchilada. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe is a Must-Try
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that’s been loved by many around the world for years. But what makes this quick & tasty sour cream chicken enchilada recipe stand out is the creamy sour cream-based sauce that balances out the spices perfectly. The sour cream adds richness, making the dish even more indulgent without being too heavy. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a foolproof recipe that guarantees delicious results every time.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of chicken enchiladas in no time.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences, adding ingredients like beans, corn, or different spices to make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes great leftovers, and you can store it in the fridge or freeze it for later, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping.
Ingredients for the Best Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
To make your quick & tasty sour cream chicken enchilada recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Enchiladas:
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
8-10 small flour tortillas (corn tortillas can also be used)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
1 can (10 oz) red or green enchilada sauce (or homemade enchilada sauce)
1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Sour Cream Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon lime juice (optional for a tangy twist)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients combine to create the perfect creamy, cheesy enchiladas with just the right amount of flavor and heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Quick & Tasty Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken if it’s not already cooked. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. If you’re using raw chicken, season it with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into small pieces. Set it aside.
2. Make the Sour Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, diced green chilies, chicken broth, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more lime juice or spices if desired. This creamy sauce is what sets your quick & tasty sour cream chicken enchilada recipe apart, offering richness and flavor.
3. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A preheated oven is essential for baking the enchiladas to perfection.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
Now it’s time to assemble your enchiladas. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. Take your tortillas and warm them up in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so they are more pliable.
Place a tortilla flat in your hand, and add a few spoonfuls of the shredded chicken to the center of the tortilla. Top it with some chopped onions (if using) and a small amount of shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process for all the tortillas.
5. Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the tortillas are rolled and placed in the baking dish, pour the sour cream sauce over the top, ensuring each enchilada is fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
6. Bake the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through. The sauce should be golden and slightly bubbling at the edges.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.
Practical Tips for a Perfect Quick & Tasty Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe
To make your quick & tasty sour cream chicken enchilada recipe even better, try these helpful tips:
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed
For a quick meal, consider using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves you time on cooking and shredding the chicken, making the process even faster without compromising on flavor.
2. Add a Kick with Extra Spices
If you like your enchiladas spicy, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the sour cream sauce for an extra kick. You can also use hot enchilada sauce instead of mild to ramp up the heat level.
3. Try Different Cheeses
While cheddar and Monterey Jack are the most popular choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack for a spicier option, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for extra flavor.
4. Make It Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for black beans or a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, corn, and bell peppers. The creamy sour cream sauce will still work beautifully with these alternative fillings.
5. Prepare Ahead of Time
This dish can be prepped ahead of time for busy nights. Assemble the enchiladas and cover them with plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to eat. You can even freeze them for later use — just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations of the Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe
While the classic sour cream chicken enchiladas are delicious, you can easily customize them. Here are a few variations to try:
Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas
Add some spinach to your chicken mixture for added nutrients. You can sauté fresh spinach with a bit of garlic and mix it with the shredded chicken before rolling it in the tortillas.
Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
For a bold twist, try using buffalo sauce mixed with your chicken. This gives your enchiladas a spicy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sour cream sauce.
Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas
For a cheese lover’s dream, skip the chicken and fill the tortillas with a combination of shredded cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and a little cream cheese. Top with the sour cream sauce for a rich and creamy texture.
Conclusion: Quick & Tasty Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, this quick & tasty sour cream chicken enchilada recipe is the perfect solution. With its creamy sour cream sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, it’s a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
By following the simple steps, using helpful tips, and experimenting with variations, you can make these enchiladas your own. Plus, the recipe is so easy that it’s a great option for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want to impress with minimal effort.