Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These quick and easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe are the perfect dish for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Bursting with flavor, these enchiladas are cheesy, creamy, and stuffed with tender chicken, delightful cream cheese, and spicy green chilis. Slathered in savory enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This recipe is straightforward and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty green chilis creates an irresistible taste.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or fresh avocado to personalize each serving.
• Great for meal prep: These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for meal planning.
• Feeds a crowd: With 8 servings in one recipe, it’s perfect for family gatherings or parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-sized baking dish helps ensure even cooking and prevents spills in your oven.
• Mixing bowl: A medium mixing bowl is perfect for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking your enchiladas.

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Ingredients

For this delicious Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, you will need the following 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
• 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 cook 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: Mix Filling Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Combine the rotisserie chicken, room temperature cream cheese, green chilis, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are combined thoroughly.

Step 4: Fill the Tortillas

Take each tortilla:
1. Fill it with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture.
2. Roll it up tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
3. Repeat this process with all 8 tortillas.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining 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 as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Serving green chili chicken enchiladas is all about enhancing the delicious flavors and textures of this dish. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spice.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños can add an extra kick.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish and adds a zesty flavor.

Accompaniments

• Mexican Rice: This fluffy, seasoned rice pairs perfectly with enchiladas for a hearty meal.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and are a classic Mexican side.
• Guacamole: Rich and creamy guacamole complements the enchiladas beautifully.

Salad Options

• Corn Salad: Sweet corn salad provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with the warm enchiladas.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers keeps things light and fresh.

How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

To achieve the best green chili chicken enchiladas, consider these expert tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds great flavor without extra cooking.
• Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing with other ingredients.
• Layer Sauce Generously: Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce; it keeps tortillas moist and flavorful.
• Bake Uncovered: Baking uncovered allows the cheese to melt beautifully and form a golden crust.
• Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add depth to the flavor.
• Prep Ahead of Time: Assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

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 to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices; perfect for soaking up sauce.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans that are a staple in Mexican cuisine; serve warm.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter offers sweetness as a side.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a crunchy appetizer.
5. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro; brightens up any plate.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add nutritional value alongside your meal.
7. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can provide a comforting contrast to spicy enchiladas.
8. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad mixed with corn, peppers, and spices for added flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling. Always let it come to room temperature before mixing.
• Overfilling tortillas: Filling tortillas too much can cause them to break while rolling. Aim for about ½ cup of filling for each tortilla.
• Skipping the sauce layer: Neglecting to add sauce at the bottom of the baking dish can result in sticking. Always spread a layer of enchilada sauce first.
• Not baking long enough: Underbaking can leave your enchiladas cold and unappetizing. Bake until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly for best results.
• Ignoring toppings: Toppings can greatly enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip fresh ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, or sour cream.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on low heat with a lid until warmed through; add a little water if needed to create steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute rotisserie chicken with turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have green chilis?

You can use diced jalapeños or other mild peppers as an alternative if you’re looking for some spice without green chilis.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The level of spiciness depends on the type of green chilis you choose. Mild canned chilis will keep it low-key while fresh chilis add more heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

How do I store leftovers from the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?

Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are not only cheesy and creamy but also packed with flavor. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with various toppings or fillings based on your preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!