Name: Delicious Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas; 1 can (15 oz) green enchilada sauce; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, extra shredded cheese, drizzle of hot sauce or lime crema

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food that combines the zest of Southwestern flavors with an indulgent creamy sauce, making them a favorite for both special occasions and casual weeknight dinners. This recipe features tender shredded chicken enveloped in soft tortillas, all smothered in a luscious green chile sauce, delivering a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Packed with melted cheese, these enchiladas strike the perfect balance between spicy and creamy, with the added warmth of spices to tickle your taste buds.

What makes this dish stand out is not just its flavor—it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you can create a fabulous meal that feels gourmet without spending hours slaving over the stove. Using cooked, shredded chicken makes it a quick and convenient option, perfect for when you’re short on time. And let’s not forget about the versatility of enchiladas; you can customize them based on your preferences, whether that’s adding more vegetables, opting for a dairy-free version, or switching up the protein. Every bite is an explosion of flavor, comforting yet exciting with the presence of diced green chiles.

So, whether you’re serving these to family, guests, or just treating yourself, you’ll find that these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are both satisfying and richly delicious. Don’t hold back; embrace the opportunity to enjoy a plate of these cheesy delights that promise to warm your soul any night of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Flavorful Experience: Enjoy a delightful mix of flavors, with the heat from green chiles perfectly complementing the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple you can have it ready in under an hour, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade enchiladas with minimal effort.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite protein, switch cheese types, or even include extra veggies to personalize your enchiladas.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas are sure to impress anyone at the table.
Leftover Friendly: The enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them great for meal prep or simple leftovers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this mouth-watering recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a seamless cooking experience. Start by setting up your workspace with all your ingredients laid out neatly. Grab a large 9-by-13-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray; this will help prevent the enchiladas from sticking once baked.

For the cooking process, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining your chicken filling, and a separate bowl or whisk for blending your creamy green sauce. A cutting board and knife will help with chopping cilantro or other optional garnishes. If you plan to shred your own chicken, you might need a pot if you opt to boil it, or a pan and utensils if you’re using a rotisserie chicken instead. A spoon or spatula will also come in handy to mix the filling and sauce thoroughly.

Your oven will need to be preheated to ensure the edges of the enchiladas are deliciously golden and bubbling when they’re finished baking. Keeping these tools and the workspace organized will help you move through the recipe efficiently!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp onion powder
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
1 can (15 oz) green enchilada sauce
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, extra shredded cheese, drizzle of hot sauce or lime crema

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step as it prepares your oven for even cooking. Additionally, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil. This will ensure that your enchiladas do not stick during baking, helping to achieve a beautifully presented dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of your grated cheese, the diced green chiles, garlic powder, ground cumin, onion powder, and fresh cilantro if you’re using it. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure each ingredient is well incorporated and the aromas meld together. This filling is where the magic begins, as the spices and flavors start to infuse the chicken.

Step 3: Craft the Green Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the green enchilada sauce, sour cream, and chicken broth until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. Adding salt and pepper to taste is essential—be sure to adjust according to your preference. This sauce adds rich creaminess to the enchiladas and balances the heat from the green chiles.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Now comes the fun part—filling the tortillas! Take each tortilla and spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll them them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until all your tortillas are filled and neatly arranged in the dish.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all the tortillas are in the dish, pour the creamy green chile sauce evenly over the enchiladas, making sure to cover the edges to keep them moist while baking. Take the remaining cheese and sprinkle it generously on top; this will create that beautiful, gooey layer when baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. For an extra touch of crispy, golden-brown cheese, switch to the broil setting for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. The ultimate enchiladas are hot, bubbling, and bursting with flavor!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the enchiladas sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to firm slightly for slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, additional cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce for an exciting kick. Serve these warm and enjoy the incredible flavors with every delectable bite!

Variations

Protein: Substitute shredded chicken with seasoned black beans for a vegetarian option or use leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist.
Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling to enhance nutrient content.
Spices: Add extra heat with sliced jalapeños, hot salsa, or smoked paprika for a depth of flavor.

Cooking Notes

Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet before filling to make them pliable and reduce cracking.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a creamier melt.
For a quick meal prep, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your enchiladas with traditional sides like refried beans or a fresh light salad.
Serve with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor contrast.

Tips

Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, particularly the sauce.
Freeze any leftovers or uncooked enchiladas for a quick meal later on.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 590mg

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to keep them fresh.

What can I use instead of tortillas?

If you’re looking for substitutes, consider using lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or skip traditional tortillas for rice paper if you prefer a gluten-free route.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Place assembled, uncooked enchiladas in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.

How do I spice up the dish?

Feel free to add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce into the filling or sauce for a spicier kick! Experiment with your preferred spice levels!

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are not only a delicious addition to your meal rotation but also a testament to the comforting power of good home cooking. With the right balance of spices, creaminess, and that gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers satisfaction and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re savoring them solo or sharing with loved ones, the versatility and ease of preparation make these enchiladas a family favorite. We encourage you to get creative by adding your personal touch to the recipe! Feel free to comment below with your variations or tips, and don’t hesitate to share this delightful recipe with fellow food lovers. Happy cooking!