Zesty Sour Cream Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're craving a dish that's creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, these Zesty Sour Cream Enchiladas are just the ticket. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these enchiladas bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite with their zesty sour cream sauce.

Ingredients for Zesty Sour Cream Enchiladas

Corn tortillas are the foundation of this dish, offering a satisfying texture and a subtle corn flavor that complements the rich filling. Cooked shredded chicken is the protein of choice here, providing a hearty base and soaking up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Sour cream is the star of the show, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the enchiladas in lusciousness. We use two kinds of cheese: cheddar for its sharpness and Monterey Jack for its creamy meltability, making the topping irresistibly gooey.

Diced green chilies add just the right amount of spice, while fresh cilantro offers a burst of freshness. Onion and garlic are sautéed to create a flavorful base, enhanced by the earthy warmth of cumin and the subtle smokiness of paprika. A splash of chicken broth helps to meld all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your tortillas are cracking, warm them a bit longer or wrap them in a damp paper towel while microwaving.
  • Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor depth.
  • Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less of the green chilies.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple avocado salad. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with a lime-infused sparkling water or a light Mexican lager to complement the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.
What if I don't have Monterey Jack cheese?
You can substitute with mozzarella or any mild cheese that melts well.
Are these enchiladas spicy?
They're mildly spicy due to the green chilies, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Zesty Sour Cream Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with a touch of olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps the enchiladas develop a nice crust on the bottom. Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the sour cream, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it up until it's nice and smooth – this will be your zesty sauce.

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a bit of olive oil. You'll want to cook them until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 minutes. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir in half of the sour cream mixture. Let this simmer until everything is heated through and well combined.

Now, let's tackle the tortillas. Warm them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds – this makes them pliable and easier to roll. Take each tortilla, spoon in some of the chicken mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat until all the tortillas are snugly lined up.

Pour the remaining sour cream mixture over the enchiladas, spreading it out evenly to ensure each one gets a good coating. Generously sprinkle the top with your shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make, with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • A crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and indulgent.
  • Flexible enough to adapt with your favorite fillings or spice levels.
  • Perfect balance of creamy and spicy, without being overwhelming.

Ingredients

12 small corn tortillas
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for greasing

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, diced green chilies, ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Add shredded chicken to the skillet, followed by half of the sour cream mixture. Stir to combine and heat through.
5. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them flexible.
6. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining sour cream mixture over the enchiladas, spreading evenly.
8. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

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