I absolutely love Mexican food, and one dish that never fails to impress me is the Green Chicken Enchiladas recipe. These enchiladas are bursting with flavor and are surprisingly easy to make. They combine tender chicken with a zesty green sauce, rolled up in soft tortillas, and topped with melty cheese. Every bite is a comforting delight that makes me feel right at home.
Ingredients for Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
To make these enchiladas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a list to get you started.
Chicken Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
Green Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
How to Make Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Making the green sauce is simple and adds so much flavor to your enchiladas.
- Prep the Tomatillos: Start by husking the tomatillos and rinsing them to remove the sticky residue.
- Blanch: Place them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Blend: Add the tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, onion, and salt into a blender. Blend until smooth.
This fresh sauce will be the star of your enchiladas!
Preparing the Chicken Filling
The filling is what makes these enchiladas so delicious.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, and some salt and pepper.
This mixture is packed with flavor and is so easy to make.
Assembling the Enchiladas
Assembling enchiladas is like a fun little art project in the kitchen.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm each tortilla in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Fill and Roll: Place a few tablespoons of the chicken filling in each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Repeat this until all tortillas are filled.
Topping Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Now, it’s time to smother those enchiladas with goodness.
- Add Sauce: Pour the green sauce you made earlier over the top of the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Add a generous amount of shredded cheese on top.
This cheesy layer will melt beautifully in the oven.
Baking the Enchiladas
Baking is where the magic really happens.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
The aroma of baking enchiladas will fill your kitchen and have everyone gathering for dinner.
Serving Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Now that your green chicken enchiladas are ready, it’s time to serve them up.
- Garnish: Top them with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
- Sides: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to make a complete meal.
I often serve these enchiladas with a side of freshly made guacamole. It adds a nice creamy contrast against the zesty enchiladas.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them easily.
- Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Freezing Enchiladas for Later
Freezing enchiladas is a great option for meal prep.
- Prepare for Freezing: After assembling and before baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze: You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat, just bake them straight from the freezer; it may take a little longer to cook.
Nutritional Information
It’s always nice to know what you’re eating. Each serving of these enchiladas contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
Making Green Chicken Enchiladas has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. They are perfect for family gatherings