Name: Green Chicken Enchiladas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 flour tortillas (8″), warmed, or 12-16 corn tortillas (see notes); 1 lb. cooked chicken (~2 breasts or 2.5 cups chopped/shredded, see blog for recommendations); 1 7oz. can mild green chiles, drained (preferably fire-roasted); 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature (see notes); 3-4 cups shredded cheese, of your choice (a blend of Colby Jack & mozzarella used in this recipe); Salt & pepper to taste (½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper recommended); ¼ cup diced onion (optional); 1 batch homemade Salsa Verde (about 2 cups, or use a store-bought 16 oz. jar); 1 cup chicken broth (use only ¼ cup if using store-bought Salsa Verde); 2 tablespoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Green Chicken Enchiladas are a perfect blend of comfort and spice, offering a twist on the traditional enchilada recipe. These enchiladas are packed with a rich, creamy filling, topped with a flavorful green enchilada sauce, and finished with a layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, these enchiladas will satisfy every craving. The combination of tender chicken, savory green chilies, and a tangy homemade salsa verde will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both hearty and full of bold flavors, look no further. The warmth of the flour tortillas wrapped around a delicious filling, smothered in salsa verde, and baked to perfection, offers a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. You’ll love how simple yet delicious this recipe is, with ingredients you can easily find at the store. Plus, it can be customized to your taste, making it an ideal dish for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and requires only a few ingredients to create a delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals. With just a few easy steps, you can have a warm, comforting dish ready to serve.

2. Customizable

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you prefer flour or corn tortillas, or you want to adjust the amount of cheese or seasoning, this recipe is flexible to your taste.

3. Flavor-Packed

The green enchilada sauce and fire-roasted green chilies give these enchiladas a fantastic depth of flavor, while the cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that enhances every bite.

4. A Family Favorite

The mild heat from the green sauce combined with tender chicken and cheese is a flavor combination everyone can enjoy. It’s a perfect meal for both adults and children alike.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

These enchiladas can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Flour tortillas (8″ size, or corn tortillas)
Cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)

Mild green chiles (drained, fire-roasted preferred)
Cream cheese (room temperature)
Shredded cheese (blend of colby jack & mozzarella recommended)

Salt & pepper to taste
Diced onion (optional)
Homemade salsa verde (or store-bought)

Chicken broth
Olive oil

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for black beans or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious meat-free alternative.

Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or use a spicier salsa verde to give the dish a fiery kick.
Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a more distinct flavor.
Corn Tortillas: For a more traditional touch, use corn tortillas instead of flour, though be sure to warm them properly to prevent them from breaking.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Filling

In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, green chiles, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and optional diced onions. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas in a pan or microwave to make them more pliable. If using corn tortillas, warm them in oil to make them easier to roll.

Step 3: Roll the Enchiladas

Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the salsa verde and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce and Bake

Pour the green enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure each enchilada is covered. Top with additional shredded cheese, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be sure to warm your tortillas before rolling them to prevent them from tearing.
For a smoother sauce, blend your salsa verde with a bit of chicken broth before heating.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness after baking.

If you prefer a crunchier top, broil the enchiladas for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste – some may prefer more salt, pepper, or heat in the sauce.

How to Serve

Green Chicken Enchiladas are delicious on their own but can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Pair them with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa to elevate the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the assembled, uncooked enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat from frozen, bake the enchiladas covered with foil at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought salsa verde?

Yes, you can use store-bought salsa verde, but the flavor will be fresher and more vibrant with homemade salsa.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the colby jack and mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or your preferred cheese blend.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken for convenience?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this recipe.

5. How can I make the sauce spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier green salsa.

6. Can I prepare these enchiladas in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas the day before and store them in the fridge before baking.

7. How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking when using corn tortillas?

Warm the corn tortillas in oil or on a skillet before rolling to prevent them from cracking.

8. Can I freeze the enchiladas before baking?

Yes, these enchiladas can be assembled and frozen before baking. Just bake them after thawing.

9. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.

10. How do I know when the enchiladas are done?

The enchiladas are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.

Conclusion

Green Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and versatile dish that combines creamy chicken, spicy green sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and ease of preparation. With options for customization, you can make these enchiladas your own, catering to any dietary preferences. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheat leftovers for a comforting meal the next day!