If you have a craving for something creamy, cheesy, and bursting with a little Southwestern flair, then you are absolutely going to love this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a dazzling dish that perfectly balances tender rotisserie chicken, tangy green chilis, and rich cream cheese, all wrapped snugly in soft flour tortillas and smothered in vibrant enchilada sauce. Every bite delivers a comforting hug of flavors and textures that feel like home, whether you’re serving a family dinner or impressing friends. Trust me, this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals when you want something cozy but exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making these enchiladas, the ingredients are wonderfully simple but pack a punch. Each component works together to create the perfect harmony of creaminess, spice, and cheesy goodness, making your taste buds dance with joy.
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce: This vibrant sauce gives the dish its signature zesty flavor and keeps everything wonderfully moist, but feel free to swap with red sauce if you prefer a deeper, richer taste.
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken: Easy and tender, this cooked chicken is super convenient and brings a great texture without extra fuss.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: At room temperature for smooth mixing, cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess that melts perfectly into the filling.
- 4 ounces canned green chilis: These provide just the right kick of mild heat and a fresh, tangy edge that brightens every bite.
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp and melty, cheddar binds the filling and tops the dish beautifully with a golden, bubbly crust.
- 8 large flour tortillas: Soft and flexible, these tortillas make wrapping the filling a breeze and hold everything perfectly without breaking.
How to Make Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking. Next, lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and spread about one cup of the green enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom. This sauce layer will keep your enchiladas nice and juicy as they bake.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rotisserie chicken with the softened cream cheese, canned green chilis, and two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until the filling is creamy and well-blended—this mixture is where all the magic happens, balancing cheesy richness with a little spicy snap.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Grab each flour tortilla and spoon about half a cup of the chicken mixture onto its center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This step ensures the enchiladas keep their shape and don’t unravel in the oven.
Step 4: Sauce and Cheese Topping
Once all your tortillas are snug in the dish, pour the remaining green enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a melty, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the enchiladas uncovered for about 30 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown. This baking step brings all the flavors together and creates that irresistible, slightly crispy cheese layer on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pull your enchiladas out of the oven and let them rest briefly before serving. This Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is best enjoyed warm and fresh, inviting everyone to dive into layers of creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy goodness.
How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings truly elevate these enchiladas. Some sliced avocados add creaminess, a dollop of sour cream brings cool balance, and chopped tomatoes or salsa add brightness and a hint of tang. Don’t forget fresh cilantro or green onions if you want an extra pop of color and flavor!
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your enchiladas with a crisp side salad, cilantro-lime rice, or black beans for a complete meal. These sides not only complement the flavors but add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual enchiladas on colorful plates with a drizzle of extra enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of cheese melted just before serving. Or try layering the filling and sauce into a casserole style with tortilla strips on top for a fun twist on the traditional presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes for incredibly convenient lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze fully assembled enchiladas before baking by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, keeping them fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat enchiladas, cover them with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps keep them moist without drying out the filling or crust.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give your enchiladas a more traditional flavor and a slightly different texture, though they can be a bit more fragile when rolling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a mix of your favorite veggies for a delicious vegetarian version of this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.
How spicy is the green chili in this dish?
The canned green chilis provide a mild heat that’s approachable for most palates. If you want it spicier, you can add diced jalapeños or use a hotter green chili sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the enchiladas a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it great for busy days or entertaining.
What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors beautifully in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves comfort food with a little kick. It’s simple to pull together, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to tweak however you like. I can’t recommend it enough for a dinner that feels like a warm, welcoming hug. So grab those ingredients and get ready for a deliciously cheesy, zesty feast that’s bound to become a beloved favorite!
Print
Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender rotisserie chicken, creamy green chilis, and melted cheddar cheese all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to perfection in a zesty green enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 18 ounces green enchilada sauce (can substitute red)
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, cubed (or leftover cooked chicken)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 ounces canned green chilis
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray (for baking dish)
Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced avocados
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray, then spread about 1 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed rotisserie chicken, room temperature cream cheese, canned green chilis, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute green enchilada sauce with red enchilada sauce if preferred.
- Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut, but leftover cooked chicken works equally well.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to mix smoothly with the other filling ingredients.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your taste, such as adding jalapeños or cilantro for extra zest.
- For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cheese or tortillas.
