Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Bursting with Zest

Crispy tortillas stuffed with green chile chicken enchiladas promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Regional Mexican cuisine brings incredible depth to this classic comfort dish.

Peppers and tender chicken create a delightful harmony in every single bite.

The combination of mild chiles and melted cheese produces an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Quick and straightforward preparation means you can enjoy this delectable meal without spending hours cooking.

Authentic spices and simple ingredients guarantee a memorable dining experience that celebrates traditional southwestern flavors.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this mouthwatering recipe that delivers pure culinary magic.

Why Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Are Always a Hit

• This Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• The dish combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal cooking skills.
• Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• With just 40 minutes from start to finish, these enchiladas deliver maximum satisfaction and minimal kitchen stress.

Everything That Goes Into Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that forms the hearty core of the enchiladas, preferably using rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for optimal flavor and texture.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold the filling and create the classic enchilada shape, best when fresh and slightly warm.

• Green Chile Enchilada Sauce: Tangy and spicy sauce that adds moisture and zesty flavor to the dish, choose a high-quality store-bought or homemade version.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and balances the spice, select full-fat version for best consistency.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that provides a golden, gooey finish, Mexican blend or cheddar work well.

• Green Chiles: Mild, chopped peppers that provide subtle heat and depth, canned or fresh options are suitable.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, clean garnish and authentic Mexican touch.

• Avocado: Creamy, rich topping for serving.
• Lime: Fresh citrus to add brightness.

Cooking Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas at Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with cooking oil.

This keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, green chile enchilada sauce, sour cream, and diced green chiles.

Season with salt and pepper, then stir until the filling is creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Roll Those Tasty Enchiladas

Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center.

Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until the dish is full.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese Showtime

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top to cover the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Top the enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.

Pair with sour cream, avocado slices, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Tips That Make Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Even Better

• Customize Chicken Selection: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavorful shortcut or shred leftover grilled chicken to add extra smoky depth to your enchiladas.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust green chile intensity by choosing mild, medium, or hot green chiles based on your heat tolerance and family preferences.
• Maximize Tortilla Flexibility: Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to prevent cracking and make rolling easier when assembling enchiladas.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Let cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to ensure more even melting and a smoother, more cohesive topping.
• Create Dietary Alternatives: Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.

Keeping Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Warm and Tasty

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to keep track.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove enchiladas from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for a fresh, melty finish.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking and rotating to ensure even warming. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain food safety and prevent dryness.

What Complements Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Best

• Crack open a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the richness of the enchiladas. The light, refreshing taste perfectly balances the spicy green chiles and creamy cheese.
• Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salt rim. Its bright, tangy profile complements the savory chicken and enhances the green chile flavors while providing a cool contrast.
• Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This fresh salsa adds brightness and acidity that helps lighten the rich, cheesy enchiladas and provides a zesty side accompaniment.
• Prepare a creamy avocado sauce by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and a touch of salt. This silky sauce adds extra moisture and a cool, smooth texture that perfectly matches the warm, spicy enchiladas.

Fun Ways to Customize Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty plant-based alternative. Swap meat with protein-packed options to keep the dish satisfying.

Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe completely gluten-free. Choose certified gluten-free enchilada sauce to ensure total dietary compliance.

Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips as a wrap. Use cauliflower rice as a base or serve enchilada filling over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream alternatives to maintain creamy texture.

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican green Chile chicken enchiladas bring zesty flavors straight from southwestern kitchens. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and roasted green chiles create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave week after week.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (4 ounces/113 grams) can diced green chiles
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can green enchilada sauce
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), creating the perfect cooking environment for these zesty enchiladas.
2. Lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with oil or cooking spray to ensure effortless serving and clean-up.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine tender shredded chicken with velvety sour cream, aromatic green chiles, and a portion of the tangy green chile enchilada sauce.
4. Gently season the mixture with salt and pepper, blending the ingredients until they form a harmonious filling.
5. Lay each soft tortilla flat, cradle a hearty spoonful of the chicken mixture in its center, then carefully roll into a neat cylinder.
6. Nestle each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a snug arrangement of flavor-packed parcels.
7. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, ensuring every inch is lovingly coated.
8. Shower the enchiladas with a blanket of shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the flavors to meld for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape of deliciousness.
11. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, vibrant cilantro to add a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
12. Serve immediately, accompanied by optional garnishes like cool sour cream, creamy avocado slices, or a zesty lime wedge.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free versions to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
• Reduce cheese and use low-fat sour cream for a lighter, heart-healthy alternative without compromising flavor intensity.
• Enhance protein variety by mixing shredded chicken with black beans or quinoa, creating a more nutritionally balanced filling.
• Experiment with roasting fresh green chiles instead of using canned for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that elevates the entire enchilada experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg