These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. They combine tender chicken with creamy cheese and spicy green chilis, all wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with enchilada sauce. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its hearty flavors and comforting textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This enchilada recipe can be assembled in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese, chicken, and green chilis creates a rich and satisfying filling that everyone will love.
- Customizable Toppings: Top your enchiladas with sour cream, salsa, or fresh avocado for added freshness and flavor.
- Great for Leftovers: These enchiladas taste even better the next day, perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a wonderful choice for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe efficiently, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9 x 13)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even heating and helps achieve that golden brown finish on top.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spills.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results in your recipes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce (can substitute red)
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken (or leftover cooked chicken, cubed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 ounces canned green chilis
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, plus more for the top if desired)
- 8 large flour tortillas
Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 whole avocado (sliced)
How to Make Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Spread about 1 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Combine the cubed chicken, room temperature cream cheese, green chilis, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
For each tortilla:
1. Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in the center.
2. Roll it up tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this step with all 8 tortillas.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve
Top your delicious enchiladas with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Serving green chili chicken enchiladas can elevate your meal experience. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas can be complemented with various toppings and sides.
Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Fresh Salsa – Bright, tangy salsa enhances the flavors and adds freshness.
- Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado slices bring a rich texture to each bite.
- Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves provide a burst of flavor and color.
Sides
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs perfectly with the enchiladas.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and make the meal more filling.
- Corn Salad – A vibrant corn salad brings crunch and sweetness as a refreshing side.
How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Creating the perfect green chili chicken enchiladas requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is delicious every time.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Soften Cream Cheese – Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Adjust Spiciness – Add more green chilis if you prefer spicier enchiladas, or reduce them for milder dishes.
- Cover While Baking – If you want softer tortillas, cover the dish with foil during baking to trap moisture.
- Let Rest Before Serving – Allowing the enchiladas to sit for a few minutes after baking helps them set up for easier serving.
Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your green chili chicken enchiladas can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish.
- Spanish Rice – Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice is a classic side that complements Mexican cuisine beautifully.
- Guacamole – Rich and creamy, guacamole provides a fresh taste that pairs well with spicy enchiladas.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled vegetables add color, nutrition, and smoky flavor to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob can be grilled or boiled for a delightful crunch alongside your meal.
- Black Bean Salad – A hearty black bean salad offers protein and fiber while adding freshness through diced vegetables.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make an excellent appetizer before the main course.
- Cabbage Slaw – A light cabbage slaw with lime dressing brings a refreshing crunch that balances rich flavors in the enchiladas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking enchiladas can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas.
- Skipping the sauce on the bottom: Not spreading sauce in the baking dish can lead to sticking. Always add a layer of sauce before placing the rolled tortillas.
- Overfilling tortillas: Filling them too full may cause them to burst open during cooking. Stick to about 1/2 cup of filling for each tortilla.
- Not warming tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when rolled. Warm them briefly in a skillet or microwave to make rolling easier.
- Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t mix well with other ingredients. Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Underbaking: Pulling them out too soon means they won’t be heated through or have that nice golden top. Bake until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container.
Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- For best results, freeze before baking; thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries regarding the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more green chilis or using hot salsa in place of regular salsa.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey or beef works great as substitutes if you prefer something different than chicken.
What toppings go well with these enchiladas?
You can enjoy them with sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Is it possible to make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Certainly! Simply replace chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms along with your favorite beans.
Final Thoughts
These Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are not only cheesy and creamy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with various proteins and toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Experience a burst of flavor with this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. These enchiladas are filled with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty green chilis, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in savory enchilada sauce. With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes, they make an ideal weeknight meal that delights both kids and adults. Customize them with your favorite toppings like fresh avocado, sour cream, or salsa for an extra layer of deliciousness. Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion or looking for a comforting dinner option, these enchiladas are sure to impress.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Ingredients
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce
- 3 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 ounces canned green chilis
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick spray and spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cubed chicken, cream cheese, green chilis, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Place about 1/2 cup of filling in each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until heated through and cheese is golden brown.
- Top with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg