Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful and comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with zesty green chili sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Why We Love This Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
There’s something irresistible about Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal in no time. The combination of flavors—from the spiciness of the green chiles to the creaminess of the cheese—creates a perfect harmony that leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, these enchiladas offer a versatile option that can be customized to your taste. Plus, they are a great way to use leftover chicken, making them both practical and tasty!
Ingredients for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup green chile sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Directions
To start making your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your enchiladas cook evenly and the cheese gets nice and bubbly.
While the oven heats, grab a skillet and add a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for a minute. Next, toss in the shredded chicken along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. This step not only warms up the chicken but infuses it with flavor from the spices.
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—green chile sauce. Pour half of the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine, followed by half of the shredded cheese. The chicken will soak up the incredible flavors of the sauce, and the cheese will melt slightly, creating a creamy filling.
Once everything is well-mixed, take a flour tortilla and spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla up tightly, making sure to tuck in the ends to keep the filling from spilling out. Repeat this process until you have filled all eight tortillas.
Next, arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Make sure they are snug, as this helps them hold their shape during baking. Pour the remaining green chile sauce over the top of the enchiladas, ensuring they are well-covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce, adding a generous layer for that perfect golden finish.
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let the enchiladas bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will know they are ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be nothing short of irresistible!
Once baked, take the enchiladas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream on top for that extra creaminess. You’re ready to dig into a plate of deliciousness!
How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
When it comes to serving your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, presentation is key! Start by placing one or two enchiladas on a plate, and drizzle some additional green chili sauce on top if you’d like a bit more flavor. Adding a generous scoop of sour cream not only enhances the taste but also adds a rich creaminess that complements the dish perfectly.
For a complete meal, consider serving your enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. A fresh salad with diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro can also brighten up the plate and add a burst of freshness. If you really want to elevate your dish, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top can add a beautiful touch.
These enchiladas are great for sharing, so consider serving them in the baking dish at family-style meals, allowing everyone to help themselves. Your friends and family will be delighted to dig into such a comforting and flavorful dish!
Expert Tips: Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor, use cooked chicken that’s been shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach your own chicken breasts for a healthier option.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can choose a milder green chili sauce. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to use a spicier sauce or add fresh jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Make Ahead: These enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, ready to bake when you’re set to serve. Just be sure to cover them with foil and bake them longer if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, you can mix in pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick, or even use a combination of your favorite melty cheeses.
- Garnish Creatively: Along with sour cream, try adding sliced black olives, diced avocado, or even pickled onions for an extra flavor boost.
How to Store Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Proper storage is essential to maintain the flavor and texture of your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing the assembled and unbaked enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness at your convenience.
Variations of Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
There are endless ways to customize your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas to suit your tastes! Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for a mix of beans (black beans or pinto beans) and sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Different Sauces: While green chili sauce is fantastic, consider trying a red enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile. You can even create a mix of the two for a unique twist.
- Add Some Crunch: Top your enchiladas with crushed tortilla chips before serving for added texture and crunch.
- Personalize the Filling: Add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the shredded chicken mixture for added nutritional benefits and flavor.
- Change the Cheese: Feel free to mix up the types of cheese you use. A blend of cheeses or using cheese alternatives can provide new flavors and textures.
FAQ
What are Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are a dish made of flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken and green chili sauce, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
How can I make Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas spicier?
You can make your enchiladas spicier by using a spicier green chili sauce or adding diced fresh jalapeños to the filling.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them up slightly to make them pliable before rolling.
How long do Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, they can last for up to three days in the fridge.
Can I freeze Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and they will be good for about three months.
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken Cooked and shredded; rotisserie chicken works well.
- 1 cup green chile sauce Can adjust the spice level according to preference.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) Feel free to use pepper jack for extra spice.
- 8 pieces flour tortillas Corn tortillas can be used as an alternative.
- 1 cup sour cream For serving on top.
Spices and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for cooking the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour half of the green chili sauce into the skillet and stir in half of the shredded cheese until combined.
Assembling the Enchiladas
- Take a flour tortilla and spoon some of the chicken mixture into the center.
- Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the ends, and repeat until all tortillas are filled.
- Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining green chili sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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