These Chicken Enchiladas Verdes are a perfect blend of tender chicken, tangy green enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The crispy edges of the tortillas and the gooey cheese make every bite irresistible, while the green sauce adds a delightful level of spice and tang.
Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a weeknight meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that you can easily prepare in under an hour. With a little prep, you can enjoy authentic, home-cooked Mexican food with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences—add extra toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra cilantro to elevate the flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 1/2 cups green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add the cooked shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Pour 1/4 cup of green enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
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Heat the tortillas on a griddle or in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
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Dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, and then spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
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Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with both Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled queso fresco.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
Enchiladas, in general, have a long history in Mexican cuisine. Dating back to ancient times, the idea of rolling food in tortillas has been a traditional Mexican way of combining various ingredients. However, enchiladas verdes, or “green enchiladas,” stand out for their use of a fresh, tangy green sauce made primarily from tomatillos and green chilies. This sauce is what sets enchiladas verdes apart from the classic red enchiladas, which typically use a chili-based sauce.
Tomatillos, often mistaken for green tomatoes, are the cornerstone of the green enchilada sauce. These little green fruits have a tart and slightly tangy flavor, which provides the perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken and cheese in the enchiladas. The green sauce typically also includes ingredients like garlic, onion, and cilantro, giving it a fresh and aromatic kick.
Flavor Profile of Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
Chicken Enchiladas Verdes offers a dynamic flavor profile that appeals to many palates. The tangy and slightly spicy green enchilada sauce, made with roasted tomatillos and green chilies, provides a bright and zesty base. The mild, tender chicken adds a hearty texture, while the gooey, melted cheese (such as Monterey Jack) balances the dish with a creamy, savory richness. A sprinkle of queso fresco and fresh cilantro on top enhances the flavor and texture even further.
The overall taste of Chicken Enchiladas Verdes is a harmonious combination of tanginess, spice, creaminess, and savory goodness. The green sauce provides just the right amount of heat, without being overwhelmingly spicy. The cheese acts as a comforting, melty counterpart to the tangy sauce, making every bite a perfect fusion of flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
Chicken Enchiladas Verdes can be served in various ways, making it an incredibly versatile dish. The enchiladas themselves are hearty and filling, so they can stand alone as the main course. Pairing them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad is a great way to add variety and balance to the meal.
A traditional Mexican accompaniment to enchiladas is a side of Mexican crema or sour cream, which helps to cool down the spice of the green sauce. Slicing some avocado and drizzling it with lime juice makes for a refreshing topping that complements the dish beautifully. Additionally, you can sprinkle a bit of extra queso fresco or crumbled feta on top for added creaminess and a mild tang.
If you’re looking to elevate your enchilada experience, a side of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips is always a hit. The creamy guacamole and crispy chips are a perfect contrast to the rich and saucy enchiladas, making the entire meal a flavorful experience.
Variations on Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
While the classic version of Chicken Enchiladas Verdes is delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and create unique variations. Here are a few ideas to consider:
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Vegetarian Enchiladas Verdes: For a meatless alternative, swap the shredded chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also use beans as a filling to keep the dish hearty and satisfying. The green sauce pairs wonderfully with these veggie fillings, giving you a delicious vegetarian version of this classic dish.
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Cheese Enchiladas Verdes: If you’re a cheese lover, you can make these enchiladas completely cheesy by filling them with a combination of your favorite cheeses. Try using a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Oaxaca cheese for an indulgent and gooey filling.
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Adding Extra Heat: If you love spice, you can kick up the heat by adding more chilies to the green sauce. Serrano peppers are a great addition if you prefer a spicier sauce, or you can add a touch of jalapeño for extra zing.
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Slow Cooker Enchiladas: For an easy and hands-off version, you can prepare these enchiladas in a slow cooker. Simply layer the tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese in the slow cooker, then cook on low for 4-6 hours. The result is a perfectly tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
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Chicken Enchiladas Verdes with Pulled Pork: For a twist on the classic, try swapping the chicken for slow-cooked pulled pork. The richness of the pork, combined with the tangy green sauce, creates an unforgettable flavor combination.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
To ensure that your Chicken Enchiladas Verdes turn out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
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Use Fresh Tomatillos: For the best flavor in your green sauce, always opt for fresh tomatillos. They should be firm and bright green, with husks that are dry and papery. If fresh tomatillos are unavailable, you can use canned tomatillos as an alternative, though fresh is always best for a more vibrant and tangy sauce.
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Don’t Skip the Roasting Step: Roasting the tomatillos and other vegetables, like onions and garlic, brings out the natural sweetness and smokiness, enhancing the flavor of the sauce. This step is essential to creating the complex, layered flavor that makes Chicken Enchiladas Verdes so delicious.
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Warm the Tortillas: Before filling your tortillas, it’s important to warm them up. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from tearing when you roll them up. You can heat them on a griddle, in a pan, or even in the microwave with a damp paper towel for a few seconds.
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Be Generous with the Sauce: To avoid dry enchiladas, be generous with the green sauce. Ensure that the tortillas are fully coated in sauce, and add extra sauce on top before baking. This helps keep the enchiladas moist while they bake.
Conclusion
Chicken Enchiladas Verdes is a dish that offers the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and versatility. With its zesty green sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s no wonder that this dish is a Mexican food lover’s favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special celebration, or just to enjoy something delicious, these enchiladas will surely impress.
The great thing about Chicken Enchiladas Verdes is that it’s easy to customize to your liking. You can experiment with different fillings, tweak the level of heat, and pair it with a variety of sides. Plus, the dish is perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better the next day. Whether you’re serving it with a simple salad or going all out with chips and guacamole, these enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.