Make restaurant-quality Sour Cream sauce in less than 10-minutes and with only a few ingredients.
This cheese sauce is perfect for Mexican dishes like chicken enchiladas, tamales, tacos, Migas and Beef fajitas. Some even like to put a swirl of this delicious sauce on black beans!
Why you'll love this recipe!
- Quick and easy to make - ready in about 10-minutes
- Simple, clean ingredients- all-natural, no preservatives or yucky stuff
- Awesome flavor and texture - make it as tangy, thick or thin as you like!
I love the Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Mazatlan, in Denton, Texas. This place has been around forever and while it's definitely not swanky, they do crank out some awesome Tex-Mex dishes and their sauce is to die for! This recipe is equally as good.
Here's the ingredients you'll need:
This recipe has a hint of jalapeno. Use jalapeno juice from jarred jalapenos but if you don't want a jalapeno flavor, just use a teaspoon of white vinegar. The acid from either really rounds out the flavor!
Step by step instructions:
In a large saucepan, add chicken broth and sour cream; use a whisk or fork to combine, then add cheese
Once cheese has melted, add jalapeno juice and cornstarch slurry
The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce. Turn heat to low and allow sauce to thicken; taste for salt
Expert tips:
- Use block Monterey Jack cheese and shred in food processor or by hand; pre-shredded cheese is not recommended
- Use a whisk or a fork to combine ingredients
- Add jarred jalapeno juice or vinegar; the acid from either one gives the sauce a nice "kick"
- After you add the cornstarch slurry, turn the stove top heat to very low or, remove sauce from heat and continue to stir
- If you make in advance, you may have to add a little water upon reheating
FAQ's
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer not to use chicken broth, use vegetable broth or water. If you use water, you may want to add more salt, since most stocks and/or broths contain sodium.
What kind of cheese works best?
I use Monterey Jack because of the sharp flavor and because it's white and tangy. I suppose you could use a white "mexican melting cheese," but I have not experimented with any of them so I can't really comment. I do know that yellow cheese like Cheddar and Colby do not work well because they're too oily.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes, just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve. It may tend to form lumps in the fridge, but that's easily remedied. Simply heat the sauce on the stove, medium heat, and whisk until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it's too thick, add a little more broth/water and continue whisking.
How long can I store it?
Refrigerate this yummy sauce for up to a week!
Reheating instructions
Pour the sauce into a pan and set the stove top to medium heat; whisk sauce until it gets hot; add a little water and continue to whisk until it thins and reaches your desired consistency.
Pin It for Later!
Related recipes:
Craving Tamales?
If you're ambitious enough to make your own tamales, you might want to check out my friend Kim @ 24bite.com. She and her son have been on a tamale roll lately and they're making all sorts of delicious Southwestern goodness! She's got chicken, green-chile, chorizo and more.... with step-by-step instructions!
♥ If you make this recipe, please comment and leave a rating! I love to hear from you!
Tex-Mex Sour Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons jalapeno juice , from a jar
- ¼ cup corn starch
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 jalapeno , sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Add chicken broth and sour cream to a large saucepan on medium heat; combine with whisk or fork
- Add shredded cheese to mixture; stir until cheese melts
- Add jalapeno juice (or vinegar);continue to stir
- Make a cornstarch slurry: put cornstarch in one cup of water; stir till blended; pour this slurry into the cheese to thicken it
- Turn heat to low and stir until sauce thickens
- Add salt if desired
Notes
- This sour cream sauce is initially somewhat thin; it takes the cornstarch slurry and LOW heat to thicken it
- Allow sauce to thicken on low heat
- If it's still too thin, whisk in more cornstarch and let it simmer on low heat (cornstarch thickens at low heat)
- This sauce goes great over enchiladas or tamales because of the jalapeno juice. If you want a more universal flavor, substitute the jalapeno juice with either white vinegar or lemon juice.
- The universal version of this sauce goes well with fish, potatoes, asparagus, broccoli and brussels sprouts.
- If you make this in advance, you may need to add a little water when you re-heat it
Nutrition
Matthew says
You can vary the amount of jalepeño juice to make it as spicy as you like!
Sandra says
Delicious!!!
Brenda Longoria says
So Easy! Living in Georgia it is hard to find a decent Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada. Now I make my own!
Susan Demopulos says
Delicious!
Julie B says
Totally delish
David Vandeven says
Looks so good !
Amy Senglin says
Perfect every time!