Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are a perfect combination of cheesy goodness and spicy flavor. Ideal for family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings, these enchiladas feature tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty green chilis wrapped in soft tortillas. They are slathered in rich enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that balances beautifully with the spicy green chilis.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your enchiladas with toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado, and fresh tomatoes to suit your taste.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves eight people, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
• Kid-Friendly: The combination of flavors is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to make your experience seamless. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfect enchiladas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A 9 x 13 baking dish ensures even cooking and provides ample space for all your enchiladas.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl makes it easy to combine ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your enchiladas.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

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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. This ensures that your enchiladas cook evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare 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 Filling Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
1. Rotisserie chicken (cubed)
2. Room temperature cream cheese
3. Canned green chilis
4. 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Fill Tortillas

Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture. Roll up tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this step for 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 Enchiladas

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

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Top with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados if desired. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your flavorful Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas!

How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Serving green chili chicken enchiladas is all about enhancing their delicious flavors. These enchiladas are versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings and sides to create a well-rounded meal.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Salsa: Fresh salsa brings a burst of flavor and freshness to each bite.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing crunch that complements the dish.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro gives a bright, herbal note.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime over enchiladas enhances their flavor with acidity.

Accompaniments

• Rice: Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a filling side.
• Beans: Black beans or refried beans offer protein and fiber, rounding out the meal.

How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Perfecting your green chili chicken enchiladas takes just a few extra steps for maximum flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for tenderness and flavor.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure the cream cheese blends well with the chicken for a smooth filling.
• Use Fresh Tortillas: Opt for soft, fresh flour tortillas for easy rolling and better texture.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Avoid overfilling to prevent them from bursting while baking.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the cheese—bake until it’s golden brown for optimal taste.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your green chili chicken enchiladas can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices is a classic companion to enchiladas.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, making your meal more filling.
3. Corn Salsa: A vibrant mix of corn, peppers, and onions provides sweetness and crunch.
4. Guacamole: Smooth guacamole adds creaminess and pairs well with the spicy enchiladas.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers and zucchini add smokiness and color to the plate.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa provide a fun appetizer before the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, there are a few common pitfalls you should avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat to ensure your enchiladas cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
• Overfilling Tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to break. Aim for about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla for easy rolling and handling.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold cream cheese can be hard to mix. Allow it to sit at room temperature before mixing with chicken and chilis for a smoother texture.
• Ignoring Assembly Order: Pouring sauce directly over the rolled enchiladas without a base layer can lead to sticking. Spread some sauce on the bottom of the baking dish first to prevent this.
• Not Letting Them Rest: Cutting into hot enchiladas right out of the oven can make them messy. Let them rest for a few minutes to set before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Wrap enchiladas tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes. This helps retain moisture.
• Microwave: Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, covering with a lid until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.

Can I use other meats in this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked turkey, beef, or even lamb based on your preference!

How spicy are these Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the type of green chilis used. For milder enchiladas, opt for mild green chilis or adjust according to taste.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Just add extra cooking time if baking from frozen.

What toppings pair well with Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?

Sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or jalapeños make excellent toppings that enhance flavor!

Final Thoughts

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. You can easily tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!