Green Enchiladas: A Flavorful Mexican Classic

Looking for a comforting and delicious dish that’s packed with flavor? These Green Enchiladas are the perfect solution! Filled with tender shredded chicken, sour cream, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, then smothered in a savory green enchilada sauce, these enchiladas offer a fantastic balance of creamy and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or feeding the whole family, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

The green enchilada sauce, made with tangy green chiles, adds a vibrant, spicy kick without overpowering the dish. Combined with the richness of sour cream and the gooey, melted cheese, these enchiladas are comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. They are perfect when served with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad. This recipe is simple to make, and it comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful and Savory

The combination of shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, and melted cheese creates a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors that everyone will enjoy.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and an easy assembly process, this recipe comes together in no time. It’s a perfect option for busy nights.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less green chiles, and you can swap the chicken for ground beef or beans for a vegetarian version.

4. Great for Meal Prep

These enchiladas are perfect for making ahead and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later use.

5. Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is always a hit at family gatherings, parties, or casual dinners with friends. It’s a classic everyone loves!

Ingredients

• Medium onion, diced
• Cloves garlic, minced
• Cooked shredded chicken
• Sour cream
• 4 oz can diced green chiles
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
• 15 oz can green enchilada sauce
• 6″ tortillas (flour or corn)
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Variations

• Meat Substitution: Swap the shredded chicken for cooked ground beef, turkey, or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or more diced green chiles for an extra spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: You can use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for a more robust cheesy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• In a skillet, sauté the diced onion over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, sour cream, diced green chiles, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

• Pour about 1/4 cup of the green enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Take each tortilla and spoon some of the chicken mixture down the center. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
• Repeat with the remaining tortillas, fitting them snugly in the dish.

Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese

• Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the enchiladas.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• If you prefer softer tortillas, you can briefly warm them in a skillet or microwave before filling to prevent cracking when rolling.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before serving.
• If you’re making a larger batch, consider using a 9×13-inch baking dish to fit all the tortillas.

How to Serve

Serve these Green Enchiladas with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or a side of tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor to the dish.

2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work well in this recipe. They might crack more easily, so you may want to warm them briefly before rolling.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I make these enchiladas spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, more green chiles, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or sauce for added heat.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or queso fresco for a different flavor.

6. What is green enchilada sauce?

Green enchilada sauce is typically made with green chiles, tomatillos, garlic, and onion, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

7. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas work perfectly in this recipe. They are softer and easier to roll.

8. Can I freeze these enchiladas before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the enchiladas?

Yes, you can add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach to the chicken mixture for added vegetables and flavor.

10. Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These Green Enchiladas are the perfect dish for anyone who loves flavorful, cheesy, and comforting Mexican cuisine. With a creamy chicken filling, tangy green enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, these enchiladas will undoubtedly be a hit. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every bite!

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