Are you in search of a dish that brings the warm comfort of home-cooked food? Look no further than Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas! This scrumptious dish perfectly combines tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a spicy green chile sauce, all enveloped in soft flour tortillas. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks. Perfectly seasoned and topped with fresh cilantro, these enchiladas are not just delicious; they’re also gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs.
Making these enchiladas is a breeze, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find joy in the straightforward preparation and mouth-watering results. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences, but the core flavors remain wonderfully captivating. With gooey melted cheese on top and a warm, savory filling, these enchiladas are bound to impress anyone who tries them.
The best part? They’re the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up an unforgettable meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
To begin your culinary adventure, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your enchiladas. Meanwhile, grab a skillet and place it on medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, allowing it to warm up before adding finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they become slightly softened, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, making your stomach rumble!
Next, toss the shredded chicken into the skillet along with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After that, fold in the diced green chiles and creamy sour cream, cooking for another 2 minutes. Once you’ve created this delectable mixture, remove the skillet from the heat.
Now it’s time to prepare your baking dish! Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a quarter cup of the green enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor. Grab one flour tortilla and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center. Top it off with 2 tablespoons of a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly and position it seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Once all your enchiladas are snuggled side by side in the dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring each roll is generously coated. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese over the entire surface. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After the initial bake, carefully remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has turned a beautiful golden brown, bubbling invitingly. Once they’re out, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for that extra pop of flavor and color. Your Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas are now ready to be devoured!
Variations
This Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or to experiment with different flavors. Here are some variations to consider:
- Protein Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try ground beef, turkey, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic options, feel free to mix in other types of cheese, like pepper jack for an extra kick or a creamy queso blanco for smoother textures.
- Extra Veggies: Increase the nutritional value and texture by adding bell peppers, spinach, or black beans to the chicken mixture.
- Sauce Variations: Consider using red enchilada sauce for a different flavor. You might also explore homemade sauces for a gourmet touch.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or even some sliced jalapeños into the chicken mixture for a spicier profile.
These variations ensure that every time you make your enchiladas, they can be a new and exciting meal experience!
Cooking Notes
To ensure your Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Cooking Time: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and seasoned well. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Preparation: Prep all your ingredients beforehand. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Baking Dish: A glass baking dish allows you to check on your enchiladas as they bake easily. Ensure to grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy experience, use a combination of freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents, which can affect meltiness.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
By following these cooking notes, you can elevate your dish and impress family and friends with your culinary skills!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas, presentation can be as delightful as the dish itself! Here are some suggestions:
- Accompaniments: Pair your enchiladas with a refreshing side of Mexican rice or beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their plates—think diced avocados, additional fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole or pico de gallo.
- Plating: Serve the enchiladas directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or plate them individually and drizzle over some extra enchilada sauce for a touch of flair.
Tips
- Use fresh cilantro and lime to enhance the flavor profile and freshen up the dish.
- For a richer flavor, consider roasting your chiles before adding them to the mix.
- Make it a family affair—get everyone involved in rolling the tortillas, making it fun and interactive!
- If you have time, let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge before baking the enchiladas for extra kick.
- Don’t hesitate to mix spices according to your preferences; consider adding smoked paprika or a little cayenne for something different.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
No problem! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and refrigerate them up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to your baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, individual portions or the entire baking dish can be frozen. Just place them in an airtight container, and they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. The flavor will vary slightly but will still provide creaminess.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Just ensure to soften them by lightly warming them before filling and rolling, as corn tortillas can crack more easily than flour.
What sides pair well with enchiladas?
A simple side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans complement enchiladas wonderfully. You can also serve them with fresh guacamole or a tangy salsa.
Conclusion
These Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with flavor, warmth, and comfort. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that is sure to please anyone at your table. Try this recipe today and bring a piece of Mexico right to your kitchen! We would love to hear how your enchiladas turned out, so be sure to drop your thoughts and any variations you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family because everyone deserves a taste of this amazing dish!
Print
Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This dish perfectly combines tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a spicy green chile sauce, all enveloped in soft flour tortillas.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in green chiles and sour cream, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Lightly grease a baking dish and spread a quarter cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture and shredded cheese, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Can be customized with different proteins, cheeses, or additional vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Protein: 25 g