Green chili chicken enchiladas are a delightful fusion of tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that dances on your palate, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, these enchiladas are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously creamy green chili sauce elevates every bite.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein from tender chicken, keeping you satisfied.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Mexican |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | With sour cream and cilantro |
Ingredients
- Shredded Chicken – A tender base for your enchiladas, use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Green Chili Sauce – Adds a zesty kick; choose mild or hot based on your preference.
- Tortillas – Corn or flour, they hold all the delicious fillings together.
- Cheese – A melty topping; Monterey Jack or cheddar works beautifully.
- Sour Cream – For a creamy finish, dollop it on top before serving.
- Onion – Sautéed for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for an aromatic boost.
- Cilantro – Fresh herbs for garnish; adds a burst of freshness.
- Lime Juice – A splash for brightness and acidity.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up some delicious green chili chicken enchiladas with these easy steps!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Shred the chicken once it’s cool enough to handle.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of green chili sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cumin. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Continue filling and rolling the tortillas until all the filling is used up. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste amazing!
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining green chili sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese for that gooey goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Dig in and enjoy your comforting creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base.
Opt for fresh green chilies for a vibrant kick.
Don’t skimp on the cheese; it adds creaminess and depth.
Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Pair with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve
Here are some fun and delicious ways to enjoy your green chili chicken enchiladas:
- Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with black beans or refried beans for added protein.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Accompany with a fresh avocado salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Drizzle with avocado crema for a rich, creamy finish.
- Serve with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun appetizer spread.
- Enjoy with a side of grilled corn for a sweet crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your green chili chicken enchiladas fresh:
- Allow them to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
For longer storage, follow these steps:
- Wrap enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped enchiladas in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and type of dish.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
To enjoy your enchiladas again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
FAQs
What can I use instead of green chilies?
If you can’t find green chilies, you can use diced jalapeños or even a mild salsa verde for a similar flavor. Just adjust the quantity based on your heat preference!
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to keep them fresh.
What can I serve with green chili chicken enchiladas?
These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also add some guacamole or sour cream for extra creaminess!
Can I freeze green chili chicken enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before baking!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite comfort food, green chili chicken enchiladas! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. So gather your loved ones, whip up this simple recipe, and savor every bite. You’ll find that the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food is truly rewarding. Enjoy the flavors and the memories you’ll create!
green chili chicken enchiladas
Equipment
- 1 Skillet For cooking the chicken.
- 1 Baking Dish For baking the enchiladas.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup Green Chili Sauce Choose mild or hot based on your preference.
Tortillas
- 8 pieces Tortillas Corn or flour.
- 2 cups Cheese Monterey Jack or cheddar.
Toppings
- 1 cup Sour Cream For serving.
- 1 medium Onion Sautéed for sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh herbs for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice For brightness.
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the filling.
- In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Shred the chicken once it’s cool enough to handle.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of green chili sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cumin. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Continue filling and rolling the tortillas until all the filling is used up. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste amazing!
- Pour the remaining green chili sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese for that gooey goodness.
- Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Dig in and enjoy your comforting creation!
