Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are a delicious twist on a classic dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game day, these enchiladas are filled with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty green chilis. Topped with gooey melted cheese and your favorite garnishes, each bite offers a delightful flavor experience that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of cream cheese and green chilis creates a rich and spicy filling that delights the taste buds.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your enchiladas with toppings like sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, and avocado to suit your preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and reheat beautifully, perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With eight servings, this recipe is perfect for feeding a group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather all necessary tools before starting. Having the right equipment will save you time and effort.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9 x 13 baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• 9 x 13 baking dish: Ideal size for baking enchiladas evenly while allowing plenty of room for toppings.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes combining ingredients easier without spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor in every batch.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, gather the following 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 to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Combine rotisserie chicken, 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. Fill with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture.
2. Roll up tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish.
3. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of all rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with an additional 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until heated through, and the cheese is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

Top your delicious enchiladas with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Serving green chili chicken enchiladas is all about enhancing their delicious flavors and providing a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Pair with Fresh Garnishes

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Sliced Avocados – Fresh avocado slices bring a refreshing touch to each bite.
• Chopped Cilantro – A sprinkle of cilantro can elevate the dish with its fresh flavor.

Offer Complementary Salsas

• Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers adds crunch and zest.
• Tomatillo Salsa – A tangy tomatillo salsa can enhance the green chili flavors beautifully.

Accompany with Crunchy Extras

• Tortilla Chips – Serve tortilla chips alongside for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the enchiladas.
• Pickled Jalapeños – For those who love heat, pickled jalapeños offer a spicy kick.

How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Perfecting your green chili chicken enchiladas is key to making them truly irresistible. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – It saves time and adds flavor, making your prep quicker and easier.
• Let Cream Cheese Soften – Allowing cream cheese to reach room temperature makes it easier to mix with other ingredients.
• Layer Sauces – Spread sauce both in the bottom of the dish and on top for added moisture and flavor.
• Watch Cooking Time – Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them golden brown but not overcooked.
• Customize Fillings – Feel free to add beans or veggies for extra nutrition and flavor variations.

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 fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices that perfectly balances the richness of the enchiladas.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and a comforting texture alongside your enchiladas.
3. Corn Salad – A fresh corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, adding contrast to the creamy enchiladas.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled vegetables provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with the dish’s richness.
5. Guacamole – This creamy dip is always a hit; it works wonderfully as a topping or side.
6. Cabbage Slaw – A tangy slaw offers acidity and crunch, cutting through the richness of cheese and cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring the cream cheese temperature: Using cold cream cheese can result in an uneven filling. Always allow it to reach room temperature for a smooth mix.
• Overfilling tortillas: Adding too much filling makes it difficult to roll the enchiladas. Stick to about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture per tortilla.
• Skipping the baking time: Not baking long enough can lead to cold centers. Ensure you bake until the cheese is golden and everything is heated through.
• Using stale tortillas: Stale tortillas may crack when rolled. Use fresh ones for better texture and flavor.
• Neglecting to cover with sauce: Skipping the sauce on top can lead to dry enchiladas. Pour enough sauce over before baking for moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Wrap enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe:

How can I make my Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas spicier?

You can add more canned green chilis or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into your filling. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack with cheddar for added flavor.

What can I substitute for flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas work well as a gluten-free option, but they may require more careful handling as they tend to crack more easily.

How do I know when my enchiladas are done?

Look for bubbling sauce and melted cheese on top. The edges should be slightly crispy, indicating they are ready!

Final Thoughts

These Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are both cheesy and creamy, making them an excellent choice for dinner. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different toppings or fillings based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today!