Hereās a full Mexican Green Chile, Chicken, and Cheese Enchiladas recipe with detailed FAQs:
š® Mexican Green Chile, Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas
ā Description
Tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and tangy green chile enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas, baked to golden perfection, and topped with fresh garnishes. A comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
š Ingredients
- For the filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 2ā3 tbsp sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot depending on preference)
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- For the enchiladas:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups green chile enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for softening tortillas, optional)
- Garnishes (optional):
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sliced jalapeƱos
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
š©āš³ Instructions
- Prep the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1 ½ cups cheese, diced green chiles, sour cream, onion (if using), cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Warm tortillas:
- Lightly heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for a few minutes so they roll without cracking.
- Assemble enchiladas:
- Spread ½ cup green chile sauce on the bottom of a greased 9Ć13-inch baking dish.
- Place about ā cup of chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Top & bake:
- Pour the remaining green chile sauce evenly over enchiladas.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with cilantro, avocado, jalapeƱos, or sour cream. Serve hot with Mexican rice and refried beans.
ā Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding 5ā10 extra minutes.
2. Can I freeze chicken enchiladas?
Yes. Wrap the unbaked enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (covered) at 375°F for 40ā45 minutes.
3. Whatās the best cheese for enchiladas?
Monterey Jack melts beautifully. You can also use Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or a Mexican blend. For a sharper flavor, mix in cheddar.
4. Should I use flour or corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll. If using corn, warm them and lightly fry in oil to prevent tearing.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with sautƩed veggies (zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers) or beans.
6. What goes well with enchiladas?
- Mexican rice
- Refried or black beans
- Corn salad
- Chips & salsa or guacamole
7. How spicy is this recipe?
Mild if using canned mild green chiles and mild green chile sauce. For heat, add jalapeƱos, hot green chiles, or extra chili powder.
8. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Itās a quick and flavorful option. Just shred and mix with seasonings.
Would you like me to also give you a homemade green chile enchilada sauce recipe so you donāt have to use canned?