Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Tender shredded chicken and melted cheese rolled into soft corn tortillas, then smothered in a zesty green chile sauce and baked until bubbly. A comforting Southwestern classic that's perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil over medium heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the shredded chicken, 1 cup of the green enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Pour the remaining vegetable oil into a small, separate skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Using tongs, carefully fry each corn tortilla for 10-15 seconds per side, just until it becomes soft and pliable. Do not let it get crispy. Place the softened tortillas on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Spread 1 cup of the green enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Working one at a time, spoon a portion of the chicken filling (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) down the center of a softened tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are all covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden. Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows them to set and makes serving easier.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Garnish with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a quick weeknight meal, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- 2Briefly frying the corn tortillas in oil is the secret to preventing them from getting soggy or cracking when you roll them.
- 3For the best flavor, use a block of Monterey Jack cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect how it melts.
- 4You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- 5For a creamier sauce, stir 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream into the green chile sauce before pouring it over the enchiladas.
- 6Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and a mild cheddar or Asadero for more complex flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
For extra heat, add one finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the skillet along with the onion. You can also choose a 'hot' variety of green enchilada sauce.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Replace the chicken with 2 cups of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of sautéed spinach for a hearty vegetarian filling.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
Substitute the shredded chicken with an equal amount of shredded pork (carnitas) or beef (barbacoa) for a different flavor profile.
Creamy EnchiladasCreamy Enchiladas
For 'Enchiladas Suizas' style, blend 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the green enchilada sauce before pouring it over the tortillas for a rich, creamy finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With a generous amount of chicken, this dish provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish contains cheese and chicken, which provide calcium for bone health and selenium, an important antioxidant that supports immune function and thyroid health.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates from the corn tortillas offer a steady release of energy, helping to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of two enchiladas contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific brands of sauce and cheese used, and the amount of oil absorbed by the tortillas.