Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a kick of spicy green chilis, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare while still delivering big flavors. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these cheesy delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese and green chilis creates a creamy and tangy filling that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or served at gatherings, these enchiladas fit various occasions and preferences.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with your favorite ingredients like sour cream, salsa, or fresh avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
• Great Leftovers: These enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9” x 13” baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Measuring cups
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A 9” x 13” baking dish provides ample space for all your enchiladas, ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: Using this spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

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.

For the Sauce

• 18 ounces green enchilada sauce (can substitute red)

For the Filling

• 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))

For Assembling

• 8 large flour tortillas

For 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 will 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: Make 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 evenly combined.

Step 4: Fill the Tortillas

Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of chicken mixture. Roll up tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step for all 8 tortillas.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: 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 delicious green chili chicken enchiladas can elevate the meal experience and delight your guests. Here are some great ways to serve them for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the spicy enchiladas.
• Fresh Salsa: Use a zesty salsa for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkling fresh cilantro on top gives a bright, herbaceous note that complements the dish.

Sides

• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs well with the enchiladas, offering a rich and smooth contrast.
• Mexican Rice: Serve alongside fluffy Mexican rice for a hearty addition that soaks up the sauce.
• Refried Beans: A side of refried beans provides protein and makes the meal even more filling.

Drinks

• Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade balances the spiciness of the enchiladas.
• Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea is a classic option that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Creating the perfect green chili chicken enchiladas takes a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor and texture significantly compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Warm Tortillas: Lightly warming tortillas before filling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear during assembly.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilis based on your heat preference; you can use mild or hot varieties.
• Layer Flavor: Consider adding spices like cumin or garlic powder to the chicken mixture for added depth.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing enchiladas to rest after baking helps meld flavors together, making each bite even tastier.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your green chili chicken enchiladas can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Spanish Rice: This flavorful rice dish is cooked in tomato sauce with spices, making it a great accompaniment.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and bell peppers adds color and nutrition.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness that complements savory flavors beautifully.
4. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw with lime dressing provides a nice contrast in texture and brightness.
5. Vegetable Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas packed with veggies offer an additional cheesy treat alongside your main dish.
6. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This grilled corn topped with cheese, lime, and spices is bursting with flavor and perfect for sharing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making green chili chicken enchiladas, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
• Overstuffing Tortillas: While it may be tempting to add more filling, overstuffing can cause the tortillas to break. Stick to about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture per tortilla.
• Skipping the Sauce Layer: Failing to add sauce at the bottom of the baking dish can result in sticking and dryness. Always spread some enchilada sauce first for moisture and flavor.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the enchiladas inside.
• Ignoring Toppings: Skipping flavorful toppings like sour cream or salsa can make the dish less enjoyable. Don’t forget to add your favorite garnishes for extra taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the enchiladas covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain moisture.

Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Freeze enchiladas for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover enchiladas with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a lid, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What type of chicken should I use?

You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken that you have on hand. Shredded or cubed works best!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to baking time if they are cold from the fridge.

How spicy are these green chili chicken enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the type of green chilis you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, opt for mild canned green chilis.

What toppings pair well with green chili chicken enchiladas?

Common toppings include sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, avocados, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to customize according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

This Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different toppings or using various proteins. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress everyone at the table!