These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are a fantastic choice for any occasion. Bursting with cheesy goodness and creamy textures, they combine tender chicken, zesty green chilis, and savory enchilada sauce. Ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or festive celebrations, these enchiladas are sure to impress your guests. The standout feature of this recipe is its simplicity—perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 50 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of cream cheese and green chilis creates a creamy and spicy filling that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving at casual dinners or special occasions alike.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily top these enchiladas with your favorite ingredients like sour cream, salsa, or fresh avocado.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key tools needed for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Cooking spray
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9 x 13 baking dish: This size is perfect for holding all eight enchiladas while they bake evenly.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine all the filling ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your flavors are balanced and consistent every time you make this recipe.
Ingredients
These quick and easy green chicken enchiladas are cheesy, creamy and oh-so-delicious. They are stuffed full of tender chicken, cream cheese and spicy green chilis, slathered in enchilada sauce and finished with melted cheese and all of your favorite toppings.
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 to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
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: Make the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
1. Rotisserie chicken
2. Room temperature cream cheese
3. Canned green chilis
4. 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Mix well until all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
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 or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Top with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Serving your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious ways to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
- Salsa – Choose a fresh salsa for added flavor and texture.
- Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle cilantro for a burst of freshness that complements the enchiladas.
On a Bed of Greens
- Lettuce – Serve the enchiladas on a bed of shredded lettuce for added crunch.
- Spinach – Lightly wilted spinach can provide a nutritious base that pairs well with the dish.
With a Side Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – This tangy corn salad can complement the enchiladas perfectly.
- Avocado Salad – A simple avocado salad dressed with lime juice enhances the flavors of the enchiladas.
How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
To make your green chili chicken enchiladas truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh chicken and vegetables to boost flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels – If you prefer milder enchiladas, use fewer green chilis or choose mild salsa.
- Experiment with Cheese – Try different cheese blends such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied taste.
- Make Ahead Options – Prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge until baking time for convenience.
Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your enchiladas can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the flavors of the enchiladas beautifully.
- Refried Beans – Creamy beans offer protein and pair well with the rich cheese sauce.
- Corn Tortillas – Warm corn tortillas can be served alongside for an authentic touch.
- Guacamole – Fresh guacamole adds creaminess and a hint of zest to each bite.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh tomato salsa brings brightness and a refreshing crunch.
- Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies add color and health benefits while enhancing flavor profiles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making green chili chicken enchiladas can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using cold cream cheese – If your cream cheese is cold, it won’t mix well with the other ingredients. Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Overfilling tortillas – Filling your tortillas too much can make them difficult to roll. Stick to about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla for easy handling.
- Not adjusting seasoning – Store-bought enchilada sauce can vary in flavor. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the enchiladas and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Skipping the toppings – Toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado add flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they elevate your dish!
- Baking without covering – Baking uncovered allows the cheese to brown nicely, but you can cover with foil for part of the baking time if you prefer softer tortillas.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Use an airtight container to store leftover enchiladas.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until hot.
- Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making green chili chicken enchiladas:
Can I use different types of chicken?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken.
What if I can’t find green chilis?
If green chilis aren’t available, you can substitute with diced jalapeños or even omit them for milder enchiladas.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
How spicy are these Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?
The spiciness largely depends on the type of green chilis used. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less heat.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
These green chili chicken enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients and toppings. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Try it today!
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, perfect for any occasion. These enchiladas are loaded with tender rotisserie chicken, creamy cream cheese, and zesty green chilis, all enveloped in warm flour tortillas. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a drizzle of savory enchilada sauce, this dish is both quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. In just 50 minutes, you can serve a family-friendly meal that’s sure to impress your guests. Customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream or fresh avocado for an extra burst of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 ounces canned green chilis
- 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 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 shredded chicken, cream cheese, green chilis, and 2 cups cheddar cheese; mix until well blended.
- Fill each tortilla with about ½ cup of the filling, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
- Serve hot topped with desired garnishes like sour cream and avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
