Green Enchiladas with Chicken

These Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes} are a delicious choice for any gathering or family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these enchiladas shine with the zest of homemade tomatillo Salsa Verde. Perfect for taco nights, potlucks, or cozy meals at home, they’re sure to impress your guests. Enjoy a delightful combination of shredded chicken, green chiles, and a rich sauce that brings everything together in one mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal in under 75 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of chicken, cream cheese, and green chiles creates a creamy filling that is simply irresistible.
• Versatile Options: Customize the enchiladas by adding your favorite ingredients like beans or veggies to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings and family dinners; everyone will love this comforting dish!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing these Green Enchiladas easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Serving spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of your enchiladas.
• Mixing bowls: They help combine ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and heating sauces to enhance flavors.
• Serving spatula: Makes it easy to serve the enchiladas without breaking them apart.

Ingredients

These Green Enchiladas are creamy, cheesy & full of flavor! Stuffed with chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and fire roasted green chiles! The green enchilada sauce is made using a batch of homemade tomatillo Salsa Verde (or store-bought), that’s been cooked in just a bit of oil and broth. So easy!

For the Enchiladas

• 8 flour tortillas (8) (warmed) or 12-16 corn tortillas (see notes)
• 1 lb. cooked chicken (~2 breasts or 2.5 cups chopped/shredded)
• 1 7oz. can mild green chiles, drained
• 4 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3-4 cups shredded cheese, of your choice
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup diced onion (optional add-in)
• 1 batch homemade Salsa Verde
• 1 cup chicken broth (use only 1/4 cup broth if using store-bought Salsa Verde)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

How to Make Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your enchiladas cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the cooked chicken, drained green chiles, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and diced onion if using.
2. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Spread some Salsa Verde on the bottom of your baking dish.
2. Take a tortilla and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture.
3. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Pour remaining Salsa Verde over the assembled enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}!

How to Serve Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}

Serving Green Enchiladas with Chicken is all about enhancing the flavor and presentation. Here are some great ideas to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor.
• Sour Cream: This creamy topping balances the heat of the enchiladas.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices complement the dish perfectly.

Pair with Rice and Beans

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great side.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and heartiness to your plate.

Enjoy with a Salad

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and lime dressing refreshes the palate.
• Corn Salad: Sweet corn salad brings a crunchy texture and vibrant color.

Accompany with Tortilla Chips

• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve warm tortilla chips with salsa for a delightful crunch.

How to Perfect Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}

Creating the perfect Green Enchiladas requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that delicious outcome.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
• Warm Tortillas: Softening tortillas prevents them from breaking when filled.
• Don’t Overstuff: Filling tortillas should be generous but not overflowing for easy rolling.
• Bake Until Golden: Ensure your enchiladas are baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}

Complementing your Green Enchiladas with chicken can make for a well-rounded meal. Below are some fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly.

1. Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice is a classic companion.
2. Black Beans: Protein-rich black beans offer a hearty side that balances flavors.
3. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip enhances every bite of enchiladas.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter complements the savory enchiladas beautifully.
5. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa provides a zesty contrast to creamy enchiladas.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried fritters add a crispy texture alongside soft enchiladas.
7. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A blend of corn, lime, and cheese adds vibrant color and taste.
8. Cabbage Slaw: Crunchy slaw offers freshness and acidity to balance rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes} can be a delightful experience, but several common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and helps create a creamy filling.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Be careful not to overstuff your enchiladas, as this can cause them to burst during baking. A generous but controlled amount of filling works best.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to add salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of your enchiladas significantly.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy top layer.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: If using homemade Salsa Verde, ensure it’s not too thick or too watery. A balanced sauce will coat the enchiladas perfectly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes} in an airtight container.
• item They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}

• item To freeze, wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• item They will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little water added, covering to steam for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes}?

Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes} are Mexican rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and smothered in green salsa made from tomatillos.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas! This makes your enchiladas gluten-free. Just make sure to warm them first to prevent cracking.

How do I make homemade Salsa Verde?

To make homemade Salsa Verde, blend tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Cook it gently in a pan for added flavor.

Can I customize my filling?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or use beef or beans instead of chicken if desired.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the type of green chiles used. Mild varieties yield a gentle heat, while fire-roasted chiles provide more kick!

Final Thoughts

These Green Enchiladas with Chicken {Enchiladas Verdes} are not only creamy and cheesy but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize the filling or spice level according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try for a comforting meal that everyone will love!