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Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to my favorite Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender shredded chicken mingles with melty cheese and tangy green enchilada sauce—plus, it’s surprisingly simple to throw together even on a busy weeknight. Seriously, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular lineup.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the flavors balanced perfectly—the creamy sour cream and the mild heat of the sauce make this enchilada recipe so special. Whether you’re feeding family, prepping for a casual get-together, or just craving some comforting Tex-Mex vibes, this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, perfect for cooks of any level.
  • Creamy and Flavorful: The combo of sour cream, cheese, and tangy green sauce makes every bite irresistible.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze options make it awesome for busy weeks.
  • Family Favorite: This enchilada recipe consistently gets rave reviews from my crew.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together like a dream to deliver that classic enchilada flavor that’s creamy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy. When you grab your green enchilada sauce, I recommend choosing a quality brand or making your own if you have time—it really makes a difference!

  • Cooked shredded chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken makes this super quick and flavorful.
  • Shredded mozzarella: Adds a nice gooey stretch and mild flavor.
  • Shredded Monterey Jack: Offers creamy richness and melts beautifully.
  • Sour cream: Provides tanginess and creaminess that balances the spices.
  • Taco seasoning: This gives the filling a punch of classic Tex-Mex flavor—feel free to use homemade if you like.
  • Corn tortillas: These are traditional and soak up the enchilada sauce perfectly—warming them before rolling helps prevent cracks.
  • Green enchilada sauce: This sauce defines the dish with its tangy, slightly spicy mojo.
  • Finely chopped cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note at the end.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra kick if you like things spicy.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is—it’s easy to tweak the filling or toppings to match your taste or dietary needs. Play around and make it your own!

  • Spice it up: I sometimes add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick, which my family goes crazy for.
  • Dairy-free: Swap the cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives; just make sure they melt nicely.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with roasted veggies or beans, and it’s just as satisfying.
  • Make it gluten-free: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce labels.

How to Make Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Filling

Start by combining your shredded chicken, half of each shredded cheese (mozzarella and Monterey Jack), sour cream, and taco seasoning in a large bowl. I discovered that mixing these well creates a rich, creamy filling that’s loaded with flavor inside every enchilada.

Step 2: Soften the Tortillas

Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and pop them in the microwave for about a minute. This steams them just enough to make rolling easier and prevents cracking—plus, it helps the tortillas soak up that luscious green enchilada sauce later without falling apart.

Step 3: Coat and Roll

Warm the green enchilada sauce gently over medium-low heat in a small skillet, then dip each tortilla into the sauce so it’s lightly coated on both sides. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture into the center, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in your baking dish. I find this dipping step adds tons of flavor and helps the tortillas stay moist while baking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once all enchiladas are snug in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over them. Scatter the remaining mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese on top, then bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes until everything is bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melted. Giving them a quick rest after baking lets the flavors settle, making every bite even better.

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Pro Tips for Making Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Warming Tortillas: It’s a small step that prevents cracking and helps tortillas absorb sauce better.
  • Use Both Cheeses: Mozzarella for meltiness, Monterey Jack for flavor—together, they create a perfect cheesy topping.
  • Keep Sauce Warm: Heating the enchilada sauce makes dipping easier and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Let It Rest: After baking, give the enchiladas 5 minutes before serving to help them set and make slicing neater.

How to Serve Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love adding fresh, finely chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for just a bit of heat that wakes up the dish. You can also dollop a bit of extra sour cream or squeeze fresh lime juice over the top to brighten the flavors. These little touches make it feel like a festive meal.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these enchiladas are Mexican street corn (elote) or a simple avocado and tomato salad. Black beans and Spanish rice are classic choices too, and they round out the meal perfectly without stealing the show from your star enchiladas.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, I like arranging the enchiladas in individual small ramekins or even serving them in mini cast-iron skillets to keep them warm at the table. You can also add pickled red onions or a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor when you want to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly moist and flavorful, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully—either freeze before baking or after. I like to assemble them in a foil pan, cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready, just add some extra baking time, and you’ve got a comforting meal ready when you need it.

Reheating

Reheating is best done in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep the enchiladas from drying out. Thirty minutes usually does the trick. You can also zap a single portion in the microwave, but I prefer the oven method for maintaining that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking. This makes dinnertime super easy. You can also freeze them either before or after baking, which is perfect for planning meals in advance.

  2. What can I use instead of sour cream?

    If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that adds creaminess with a touch of tang. For dairy-free options, look for a plant-based sour cream alternative you like.

  3. How spicy is the green enchilada sauce in this recipe?

    The green enchilada sauce I use has a mild to medium heat level that complements the creamy filling without overpowering it. Of course, you can adjust by selecting a milder or hotter sauce or adding chili flakes to taste.

  4. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

    You can, but corn tortillas are traditional and soak up the sauce better, giving authentic flavor and texture. If using flour tortillas, warm and soften them well before rolling to avoid tearing.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe enough—it’s comfort food that feels a little special without demanding tons of time in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to making enchiladas or a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy how reliably delicious and satisfying this dish is. So the next time you want something flavorful, cheesy, and downright delicious, give this recipe a go—I promise you’ll be smiling through every bite!

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Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 138 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Green Chicken Enchiladas recipe features tender shredded chicken mixed with a cheesy, creamy, and seasoned filling, wrapped in soft corn tortillas, doused generously in vibrant green enchilada sauce, and baked to bubbling perfection. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and optional red pepper flakes, this comforting Mexican-inspired dish serves as a flavorful and crowd-pleasing meal.


Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Other Ingredients

  • 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas
  • 1 (28 oz) can green enchilada sauce
  • Finely chopped cilantro, for serving (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until well mixed and creamy.
  3. Warm Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel or tea towel and microwave for 1 minute to soften them and make them pliable for rolling.
  4. Warm Sauce: Heat the green enchilada sauce in a small skillet over medium-low heat to make it easier to coat the tortillas.
  5. Dip and Fill Tortillas: One at a time, dip each tortilla into the warm enchilada sauce to coat lightly on both sides. Then place approximately ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture onto the tortilla, roll it up tightly, and arrange seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, then sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of each shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with finely chopped cilantro and red pepper flakes if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Microwaving tortillas wrapped in a damp towel prevents them from cracking when rolling.
  • Use fresh green enchilada sauce for the best flavor; you can substitute with homemade or store-bought.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more sour cream or cheese to the filling mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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