The aroma of chicken enchiladas with green sauce wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. Picture soft tortillas enveloping tender, juicy chicken, all drizzled in a vibrant green sauce that’s a little spicy and a lot flavorful.
Every bite feels like a warm hug from your favorite grandma, reminding you of family gatherings and cozy nights in. These enchiladas are perfect for casual dinners or festive celebrations, promising to elevate any occasion with their mouthwatering goodness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The bold flavors will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds
- Visually stunning with their bright green hue, these enchiladas look as good as they taste
- Perfectly versatile, you can customize them with veggies or beans to suit any dietary need
Whenever I serve chicken enchiladas with green sauce, my friends and family rave about them, often asking for the recipe. It’s become a staple at our gatherings!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Green Enchilada Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; both add the perfect zesty kick.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas work well; choose based on your personal preference.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds an irresistible creaminess that balances the spices.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro lends a fresh flavor that brightens up each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Oven and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your trusty baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for flavor.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You want it juicy but not swimming in grease.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks or your fingers—just be careful not to burn yourself! It should be tender enough to pull apart easily.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Take a tortilla, place shredded chicken down the center, drizzle some green sauce over it, and sprinkle cheese on top. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in your prepared dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour additional green sauce over the rolled enchiladas until generously covered. Top with more cheese because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
Bake Away!: Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden—trust me; you’ll want to watch this magical transformation!
Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish each plate with sour cream and fresh cilantro for that extra wow factor!
Now gather around the table because these chicken enchiladas with green sauce are ready to impress! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those unforgettable family moments tied together by food.
You Must Know
- Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken and zesty sauce for explosive flavor
- The dish’s vibrant colors and fresh aromas will make your kitchen feel like a fiesta
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken until golden, then mix with spices and cheese before rolling in tortillas. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion while keeping everything warm and ready to serve.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shredded beef or add black beans for extra protein. Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or top with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through—about 20 minutes ensures they don’t become soggy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Achieving perfect chicken enchiladas with green sauce is all about timing and flavor balance
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let each component shine to create a memorable meal.</p>
- <p>Use freshly made green sauce if possible; it elevates the dish significantly
- Always taste as you go for optimal seasoning
Cooking these enchiladas reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would pitch in, offering their favorite tips. One cousin swore by adding lime juice at the end; it was a game-changer!
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for enchiladas?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time, while still delivering great flavor.
What can I substitute for green sauce?
You can use red enchilada sauce or even salsa verde as alternatives.
How do I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake—up to two days!
Delicious Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
Indulge in the comforting flavors of chicken enchiladas with green sauce. Soft tortillas wrap around juicy, shredded chicken, all smothered in a zesty green sauce that adds just the right amount of spice. This dish is perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, offering a delightful experience that will leave everyone craving more.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups green enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks once slightly cooled.
- Assemble enchiladas by placing shredded chicken down the center of each tortilla, adding green sauce and cheese before rolling tightly.
- Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour remaining green sauce over them and top with extra cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving; top with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
