These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are a perfect blend of cheesy goodness, creamy texture, and zesty flavor. Ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its delightful taste. The combination of tender chicken, spicy green chilis, and melted cheese makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Flavorful Filling: The mixture of cream cheese, chicken, and green chilis creates a rich and savory filling that everyone will love.
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted cheddar cheese, these enchiladas are comfort food at its finest.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor and freshness.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is great for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it both economical and convenient.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare these delicious enchiladas, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and helps hold all the delicious ingredients together.
- Mixing bowl: Having a large mixing bowl allows you to combine all your filling ingredients easily without mess.
- Cooking spray: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier after baking your enchiladas.
Ingredients
Filling 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))
Assembly Ingredients
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 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.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
1. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken cubes.
2. Room temperature cream cheese.
3. Canned green chilis.
4. 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix well until everything is combined thoroughly.
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture. Roll them up tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this for all 8 tortillas.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The enchiladas should be heated through with golden brown cheese on top.
Step 7: Serve
Top with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas!
How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
These green chili chicken enchiladas are perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can elevate the dining experience by adding a few simple serving suggestions that complement the flavors.
Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy enchiladas.
- Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado brings a rich texture and balances the heat from the green chilis.
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
Sides
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs well with enchiladas, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that complements the dish beautifully.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch that contrasts nicely with the cheesy enchiladas.
Beverages
- Iced Tea: A cold glass of iced tea is a refreshing choice to balance the richness of the meal.
- Lemonade: The tangy sweetness of lemonade can enhance your dining experience on warm days.
How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
To ensure your green chili chicken enchiladas turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish easy and flavorful.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese before mixing; it blends better with the other ingredients.
- Don’t Overstuff Tortillas: Use about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla to prevent tearing when rolling them up.
- Cover with Sauce: Pour enough enchilada sauce over the tortillas to keep them moist during baking, which also enhances flavor.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a golden top, broil the enchiladas for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your green chili chicken enchiladas can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with lime juice and salt adds richness and flavor. Serve with tortilla chips.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and spices offers a sweet and savory bite.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and lime dressing provides a zesty contrast.
- Cabbage Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in lime vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch to balance the meal.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters can be made quickly and add a delightful texture alongside your enchiladas.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa brightens up any plate with its zesty flavors—perfect for scooping up with chips or topping your dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your green chili chicken enchiladas, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using cold cream cheese: This can lead to clumps in your filling. Always let the cream cheese come to room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Overfilling the tortillas: Stuffing too much filling can cause spills during cooking. Aim for about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla for the best results.
- Not seasoning the chicken enough: Underspiced chicken can make the dish bland. Season your chicken with spices or use pre-seasoned rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
- Skipping the sauce on the bottom: This can cause the enchiladas to stick to the pan. Always spread a layer of sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before placing the tortillas.
- Not letting them rest before serving: Cutting right away can make a mess. Allow the enchiladas to sit for about 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Temperature: Keep in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Use a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making green chili chicken enchiladas that may help you out.
Can I use other meats in this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb based on your preference.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
You can use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What toppings work well with Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, avocados, and fresh cilantro.
Final Thoughts
These green chili chicken enchiladas offer a delightful mix of creamy texture and spicy flavor that everyone will love. They are versatile; you can customize fillings and toppings based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try and impress your family or guests!
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Indulge in a plate of Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, where cheesy goodness meets zesty flavors in every bite. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender chicken, creamy filling, and a delightful blend of spices that make it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a straightforward baking process, you can serve up a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or fresh avocado for an extra burst of flavor. Whether using leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird, these enchiladas are not only delicious but also economical!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces canned green chilis
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray a baking dish and spread about 1 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, cream cheese, green chilis, and 2 cups cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Fill each tortilla with approximately 1/2 cup of the mixture, roll them up, and place seam side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 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 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: You can use turkey or beef instead of chicken for different flavor profiles. To lighten the dish, opt for low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat tortillas.