Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Silky Tomatillocrema

- The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Casserole: Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Tomatillo Cream Sauce
- Getting Started: Stocking Up for the Ultimate Creamy Salsa
- Getting the Prep Done: The Secret to Silky Tomatillo-Crema
- Mastering the Platos Mexicanos: Serving, Storing, and Swapping
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Casserole: Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Tomatillo Cream Sauce
Got a Proper Craving for Comfort?
Oh my gosh, are you totally fed up with boring Tuesday dinners? I know I was! We all need a proper weeknight win sometimes, you know? That’s exactly how I landed on these incredible Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas .
They are such a game changer. Honestly, I think these are my favourite Platos Mexicanos right now.
This recipe totally elevates the humble enchilada. We skip the basic red stuff for a sophisticated, creamy sauce. If you are looking for an authentic Enchiladas verdes recipe creamy style, this is absolutely the one.
Hearty, Healthy, and Hardly Any Fuss
This dish is all about luxury without the labour. Think rich, creamy salsa , not the thin watery kind. I always say, the secret weapon here is the inclusion of the White Beans .
They make the filling super hearty and satisfying. This isn't just an Easy weeknight casserole ; it’s a filling powerhouse.
We rate the difficulty as medium, mainly because we are making a delicious scratch made Tomatillo Cream Sauce . But active cooking? You’re only looking at about 30 minutes.
We can easily feed six hungry people with this batch! It’s perfect for meal prepping too.
Why This Recipe Works Wonders
The inclusion of the Cannellini Bean Recipe bumps up the fibre and protein hugely. Did you know canned white beans are packed with more fibre than most popular cereals? Seriously! These aren't just great Bean Enchiladas ; they are genuinely good for you.
Plus, they taste amazing.
The creamy, tangy Salsa Verde mixed with the mild beans gives it such a luxurious texture. You can totally fool your mother-in-law with this one! And pro tip: using Shredded Rotisserie Chicken is the fastest route to success.
It saves loads of time. It’s comforting, satisfying, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Ready to dive in? Let's check out what you need for these beautiful Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas !
Getting Started: Stocking Up for the Ultimate Creamy Salsa
Hello, mates! Ready to tackle the best Easy weeknight casserole ever? When I first attempted homemade Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas , I thought the filling was everything.
Honestly? I learned the magic is in the sauce. This section covers exactly what you need for these incredible Platos Mexicanos .
What You Need for the Creamy Goodness
Making the Tomatillo Cream Sauce from scratch changes the game. Forget those bland cans.
You need 1 lb (450 g) of fresh tomatillos. Pick the ones that feel firm. If they are mushy, ditch them! They should be bright green and a little sticky under the husk.
We roast them to bring out their sweetness. Also grab 4 large garlic cloves and 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken stock.
The secret to our Enchiladas verdes recipe creamy texture is the finishing touch. You must use 1/2 cup (120 ml) of full fat sour cream.
I once tried low-fat yogurt and the sauce split. Big rookie error! Don’t skip the sour cream for that luxurious creamy salsa finish.
Building the Hearty Filling
This filling is why these are the best Bean Enchiladas . We use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken —a massive time saver. Seriously, that’s my biggest cooking hack.
For the White Beans , I swear by cannellini. They are creamy and don't turn to mush when baked. One 15 oz (425 g) can of drained Cannellini Bean Recipe goodness is perfect.
Give them a good rinse first. We spice this blend simply: 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of chili powder and 1 tsp (5 ml) of cumin.
That’s all it takes for proper flavour depth.
Kitchen Tools for the Job
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this. We are keeping it simple.
The absolute essential is a trusty 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) Baking Dish . That’s where the magic happens. A blender or a good food processor is also mandatory.
You cannot get that silky smooth Salsa Verde without blending those tomatillos properly.
The only other specific thing you need is a small skillet. Why? Because you must warm those tortillas! A quick dip in hot oil or just a steam in the microwave stops them from cracking when you roll them.
Trust me on this. Cracking tortillas leads to filling escaping, and nobody wants that mess. That tiny step is the difference between an easy dinner and a kitchen disaster.
Now, let’s get cooking!
Getting the Prep Done: The Secret to Silky Tomatillo Crema
Right, before we get those lovely White Beans mixing with the chicken, we need to talk prep. You know how cooking can feel like total chaos? Not today! This is an Easy weeknight casserole , so let’s make this smooth.
Mise en place is just a fancy French way of saying "get your shizzle together."
Honestly, the biggest game changer for these Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas is tackling the sauce first. We are building that gorgeous, luxurious Tomatillo Cream Sauce .
Making the Silky Sauce Base
First step? Sauce station! Peel and rinse your tomatillos. They feel sticky, like nature’s cling film, but that stickiness rinses right off.
Grab a large pan and get those tomatillos, onions, and garlic simmering in water. Safety reminder here: we are dealing with hot liquid and steam, so watch this pot closely!
Simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes . Visual cue: when they turn that dull, army green colour, they are ready for the blender.
Blend everything except the sour cream first. Seriously, blending hot liquid is where safety comes in. Never seal the lid fully on your blender! Hold the top down with a kitchen towel; steam needs to escape or you’ll have a saucy green explosion (trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way, and the wall needed scrubbing).
Once smooth, stir in the sour cream to achieve that perfect Enchiladas verdes recipe creamy texture.
Assembly Line and the Tortilla Trick
Now for the quick part: the filling. If you used Shredded Rotisserie Chicken , you’re already winning the week. Mix that chicken with your rinsed Cannellini Bean Recipe ingredients and a quarter cup of the blended Salsa Verde .
Pro tip: mixing the sauce into the filling acts like culinary mortar. It binds everything so the filling doesn't crumble out later.
My biggest challenge when I first made these Bean Enchiladas was dry, cracked tortillas. Nightmare! You absolutely must soften your tortillas to prevent that.
Heat up a little oil in a pan. Give each tortilla a quick 10-15 second dip on each side. They should be pliable, not crunchy.
This little trick stops those beautiful wraps from splitting mid-roll.
Baking for Maximum Comfort
Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Roll them tight, seam side down, packing them snugly in the prepared dish.
Drench them thoroughly with the remaining Creamy Salsa and top with cheese. Bake for about 25 minutes . Visual cue for doneness: Look for the edges bubbling fiercely, and the cheese should be melting and golden brown.
Critical step: Once they come out, let those delicious Platos Mexicanos sit for 5 to 10 minutes . This rest time allows the sauce to settle and thicken.
If you cut them immediately, the filling will slide everywhere. Give them a chance to cool down, and you’ll have perfect servings every time.
Enjoy your comfort food!
Hello there, food friends! You’ve done the hard work. These Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas are seriously impressive. They make the perfect easy weeknight casserole .
But the fun doesn't stop once they come out of the oven. Let’s talk about plating and making sure those leftovers stay gorgeous.
Mastering the Platos Mexicanos: Serving, Storing, and Swapping
Presentation Perfection: Getting Those Insta Worthy Bean Enchiladas
To serve these gorgeous Platos Mexicanos , presentation matters. Don't just scoop them onto a plate! We want that beautiful contrast.
Since the Enchiladas verdes recipe creamy finish is so rich, you need fresh toppings. Sprinkle on some fresh coriander and maybe diced red onion.
A generous dollop of extra sour cream makes that Tomatillo Cream Sauce look even more appealing.
For sides, a simple, crisp salad is mandatory. Think sharp, zingy lime dressing. It cuts through the deep flavour of the creamy salsa perfectly.
Honestly, a side of Mexican rice is the ideal sponge to soak up every drop of that tangy sauce.
Keeping the Goodness: Storage and Reheating Tips
I learned this the hard way: always cover leftovers tightly. These keep brilliantly in the fridge for up to four days .
For future dinners, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap the casserole dish in foil, then cling film.
When reheating, moisture is the secret weapon. If you just microwave them, the tortillas turn into cardboard! Add a splash of water or stock to the plate before heating.
Or, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C ) until piping hot.
Switching Things Up: Variations for Every Diet
This Cannellini Bean Recipe is super flexible. If you want to go veggie, skip the Shredded Rotisserie Chicken . Use roasted sweet potatoes and black beans instead. It adds a lovely sweetness.
For the sauce, if you need dairy-free, use a thick plant based milk and blend cashews into the Salsa Verde instead of sour cream.
It mimics the texture beautifully! For a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash to the filling in the autumn months.
The Power of White Beans : Nutrition Basics
This dish isn’t just tasty, it’s genuinely wholesome. Thanks to the chicken and those marvellous White Beans , you get tons of satisfying protein.
That protein keeps you feeling full for ages. The beans also deliver fantastic fiber. Did you know the average person should aim for 30g of fiber daily? This meal helps hit that goal with very little effort! It’s comfort food that actually works hard for you.
Honestly, this meal is a total win-win. It’s comforting, easy, and feeds a crowd. Go make some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm always rushing about can I get a head start and prepare the Tomatillo Crema sauce the day before?
Absolutely! The beauty of this sauce is that the flavours actually deepen and improve after a day or two in the fridge. You can make it up to three days ahead; just ensure it's cooled completely before storing.
When you’re ready to assemble, gently reheat the base sauce and then stir in the sour cream/crema right before using it to maintain that gorgeous, silky texture.
If I make a big batch, can these Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas be frozen for a rainy day?
They freeze brilliantly, making them a fantastic batch cook meal, ready for when you fancy a night off cooking. Assemble the enchiladas entirely in a foil baking dish (perfect for freezing), but hold off on the final layer of cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months.
To cook from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 15 minutes until piping hot in the middle.
My tortillas keep cracking when I roll them. What's the trick to getting them nice and pliable?
Ah, the bane of the enchilada maker's life! The key is hydration; a dry tortilla will always crack, no matter how careful you are. Don't skip the crucial step of warming the tortillas a quick 10-15 second dip in warm oil softens them and makes them super flexible.
If you want to keep the fat content down, simply steam them briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds until they are warm and pliable.
I can't seem to nip out and find fresh tomatillos; what's a good alternative for the sauce?
Tomatillos give the sauce its unique, tart flavour, but if they’ve vanished from the shelves, you have options. A decent cheat is to use canned fire roasted green chillies (like Hatch) mixed with 1/2 cup of finely diced green bell pepper and a good squeeze of extra lime juice.
This combo provides the necessary bulk and earthy, slightly tart flavour profile we're looking for, though the colour might be less intensely green.
These Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas sound rather indulgent; should I make any adjustments if I’m counting calories?
While this recipe delivers a proper, comforting hug in a bowl, it’s already packed with lean protein and fibre from the chicken and cannellini beans. To make it slightly lighter, the easiest switch is using full fat Greek yoghurt in place of the sour cream in the sauce it keeps the silky texture but reduces the saturated fat.
You can also reduce the final cheese topping layer by about half without sacrificing the rich flavour.
Chicken And White Bean Enchiladas With Silky Tom

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 525 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |