The smell of roasted tomatillos and garlic makes me think of my family’s favorite dish. Green chicken enchiladas are a comfort food for us. They bring us together with their creamy filling and vibrant salsa verde.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food. It’s easy to make and tastes just like the real thing. You’ll need tender chicken, melted cheese, and a tangy salsa verde. Together, they make a dish that’s both cozy and full of flavor.
Key Takeaways
- Creamy, cheesy, and full of authentic Mexican flavors
- Use shredded chicken, corn or flour tortillas, and homemade or store-bought salsa verde
- Customize the recipe with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro
- Prep and assemble the enchiladas ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner
- Pair the enchiladas with classic sides like rice, beans, and pico de gallo for a complete Tex-Mex meal
What Are Green Chicken Enchiladas?
Green chicken enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy dish from Mexico. They are a key part of Tex-Mex cuisine. The recipe includes shredded chicken, sour cream, and tortillas, all covered in a tangy green sauce, or salsa verde.
After baking, the cheese melts and bubbles. This creates a mix of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
A Comforting Mexican Dish
In the Southwest, green chicken enchiladas are a favorite comfort food. The creamy filling and tangy sauce make it a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
“These green chicken enchiladas are a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of the tender, shredded chicken, the creamy sauce, and the melted cheese is simply irresistible.”
This recipe is great because it’s so versatile. You can choose between corn or flour tortillas. Plus, you can add your own twist with extra veggies or Tex-Mex flavors. The options are endless for making your own version.
Key Ingredients for Green Chicken Enchiladas
To make the perfect green chicken enchiladas, you need a few key ingredients. The base is shredded chicken, which can be poached, slow cooked, or shredded from cooked breasts. You’ll also need corn tortillas or flour tortillas to wrap the filling.
The main attraction is the green enchilada sauce, or salsa verde. This sauce is made with tomatillos, green chiles, onions, and garlic. You can also use a high-quality store-bought version for ease.
To add creaminess, use Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, or a Mexican cheese blend. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt balances the flavors.
Shredded Chicken
The shredded chicken is the filling’s base. You can poach, slow cook, or shred cooked chicken breasts for it.
Corn or Flour Tortillas
Both corn and flour tortillas work well for enchiladas. Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas offer a different texture and flavor. Choose what you prefer.
Green Enchilada Sauce (Salsa Verde)
The green enchilada sauce, or salsa verde, is crucial. It adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
Cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican Blend)
A mix of cheeses, like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend, makes the filling creamy and cheesy. This is what makes the enchiladas so tempting.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds coolness and balances the dish’s flavors.
Green Chicken Enchiladas
Try the green chicken enchiladas, a tasty Tex-Mex dish. It has shredded chicken mixed with creamy salsa verde sauce. Then, it’s rolled in tortillas and baked until golden.
It’s topped with melted cheesy goodness. This makes the dish look great and taste even better.
The secret to these enchiladas is the ingredients. They use tender rotisserie chicken, 16-ounce jar of salsa verde, and 15-ounce can of fire-roasted corn. The mix is wrapped in 8 burrito-size flour tortillas and baked until hot.
They add a 3-cup blend of melted Mexican-style cheese on top. This creates a cheesy topping that’s irresistible.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fire-roasted corn | 15 ounces |
| Salsa verde | 16 ounces |
| Flour tortillas | 8 burrito-size |
| Mexican-style cheese blend | 3 cups |
| Rotisserie chicken | 1 |
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Oven temperature | 375°F |
| Baking time | 12-15 minutes |
| Broiling time | 1 minute |
| Servings | 12 enchiladas |
| Prep time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 40 minutes |
| Total time | 1 hour |
This dish is a Tex-Mex masterpiece that will impress anyone. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a big event. The green chicken enchiladas will quickly become a favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these tasty green chicken enchiladas is easy and rewarding. It results in a comforting Tex-Mex dish. Follow these steps to make it yourself.
Preparing the Filling
Start by cooking the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked, about 8 minutes per side. Let the chicken cool down. Then, shred it into small pieces.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lots of shredded cheese. Use a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Rolling the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the corn or flour tortillas on a clean surface. Put some chicken filling in the middle of each tortilla, then roll them up tightly. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
Baking the Enchiladas
After you’ve rolled all the enchiladas, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over them. Make sure they’re all covered. Sprinkle more shredded cheese on top.
Bake the enchiladas for 15-20 minutes. They’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the green chicken enchiladas rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together. Serve hot, with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this delicious step-by-step green enchiladas recipe.
Variations and Toppings
This classic green chicken enchilada recipe is already great. But, you can make it even better by trying out different green chicken enchilada variations and enchilada toppings. This way, you can customize your green enchiladas to fit your taste perfectly.
Cheese Options
- Try using queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese for a unique taste.
- For a classic feel, mix Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Veggie Additions
- Dice avocado for a creamy, fresh touch.
- Add vibrant pico de gallo for a flavor boost.
- Sliced jalapeños add heat and crunch.
Sides and Accompaniments
Make your green chicken enchilada even better with the right sides:
- Pair it with cilantro lime rice for a tasty mix.
- Refried beans add a creamy contrast.
- A fresh salad balances the richness.
There’s no limit to how you can customize your green enchiladas. Try out different enchilada toppings and sides to find your favorite. This beloved Mexican dish is all about being versatile. So, go ahead and make your own green chicken enchilada masterpiece.
Serving Suggestions
These green chicken enchiladas are perfect with many Mexican-inspired side dishes. To make a full Tex-Mex feast, try these tasty options:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Refried or black beans
- Creamy guacamole
- Zesty pico de gallo
- Fresh green salad
For a fun and craveable meal, serve enchiladas with tortilla chips for the cheesy green sauce. You can also add fajitas, tacos, or tamales. The choices are endless for a perfect Mexican meal with these green chicken enchiladas.
“These enchiladas are a flavor explosion! The creamy, cheesy filling paired with the tangy green sauce is simply irresistible.”
These green chicken enchiladas will be the highlight of any meal. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying Mexican dish with loved ones for a memorable dining experience.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
Preparing make ahead green chicken enchiladas is a game-changer for quick meals. You can assemble these tasty enchilada meal prep dishes in advance. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.
To start early, make the chicken filling and roll the enchiladas ahead of time. Cover them and refrigerate until baking. Then, top with green enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake.
You can also bake them fully, cool, and freeze for up to 3 months. For a comforting Mexican meal, reheat the frozen green chicken enchiladas at 350°F. This makes dinner easy and stress-free.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes | 8 enchiladas |
With these tips, you can enjoy a homemade Mexican dish anytime. These make ahead green chicken enchiladas and enchilada meal prep ideas are easy and satisfying.
Nutritional Information
These green chicken enchiladas are not just tasty, but also good for you. Each serving has about 420 calories. They offer a mix of essential nutrients, making them a great, protein-rich meal.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Calories | 420 kcal | – |
| Total Fat | 23 g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1210 mg | 53% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28 g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 3 g | 2% (Added Sugars) |
| Protein | 25 g | – |
| Vitamin D | 2% | – |
| Calcium | 25% | – |
| Iron | 10% | – |
| Potassium | 8% | – |
Sodium Warning: The recipe has a lot of sodium, more than half the daily limit. This can be bad for your heart.
Even with high sodium, these enchiladas can be part of a healthy diet if eaten in small amounts. They are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This makes them a fulfilling and nutritious meal choice.
Conclusion
Green chicken enchiladas are a delightful and comforting Tex-Mex dish. The whole family will love it. It has tender shredded chicken, creamy green enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. All these are wrapped in soft corn or flour tortillas.
With simple steps and customizable toppings, you can make these enchiladas any night. They’re perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a Mexican-inspired feast. The vibrant green color and delicious flavors make them a must-try.
So, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven. Get ready to enjoy the best green enchilada recipe. It’s a delicious Tex-Mex experience you can have in your own kitchen.