Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce

Introduction

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce are a Mexican and Southwestern comfort classic that combine tender shredded chicken, creamy and tangy green chile sauce, soft tortillas, and gooey melted cheese. The green chile sauce brings a bright, zesty flavor with just the right amount of spice, perfectly complementing the mild chicken and creamy cheese.

This dish is believed to have originated in Mexico, but the use of green chiles became especially popular in the Southwestern United States — particularly New Mexico — where green Hatch chiles are prized for their unique taste. Whether served for a family dinner or at a festive gathering, these enchiladas are an irresistible main course that warms the heart and fills the stomach.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, zesty green chile sauce. Every bite is comforting yet vibrant, with the creamy filling wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with melted cheese that adds a golden, bubbly finish. The combination of savory chicken, tangy green chiles, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility and adaptability. You can make it mild for family-friendly meals or add extra chiles for a spicy kick. It’s also great for preparing ahead of time—assemble the enchiladas, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

I also love how this dish is comforting and satisfying. The warm, cheesy enchiladas paired with the flavorful sauce make it a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce offers a perfect balance of comfort and freshness in every bite. The tender, shredded chicken is wrapped in soft tortillas, then smothered in a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy green chile sauce that’s bursting with bright Southwestern flavors. Topped with bubbling melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and light enough to keep you coming back for more.

It’s a must-try because:

• Fresh, vibrant flavor — the green chile sauce adds a zesty brightness you don’t get from traditional red enchiladas.
• Family-friendly — mild enough for kids but can easily be made spicier for heat lovers.
• Versatile — works perfectly with leftover chicken or a quick rotisserie pick-up.
• Make-ahead magic — assemble ahead of time and bake when ready for a stress-free dinner.

From weeknight comfort to weekend celebrations, these enchiladas bring a little fiesta to your table and will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal (varies with toppings and tortilla choice)
• Cuisine: Mexican / Southwestern
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Green Chile Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups roasted green chiles, chopped (Hatch or Anaheim; canned or fresh)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Enchiladas

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings

• Sliced avocado
• Extra sour cream
• Fresh lime wedges
• Salsa verde

Directions

1. Prepare the Green Chile Sauce
   • Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add onion and cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   • Add green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder; stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread 1/2 cup of the green chile sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese
   • Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas.
   • Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
4. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
5. Serve
   • Garnish with cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, or salsa. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Chop onion, garlic, and green chiles.
2. Sauté onion in oil until translucent.
3. Add garlic, then green chiles, broth, and spices; simmer.
4. Stir in sour cream to finish the sauce.
5. Preheat oven and spread sauce in baking dish.
6. Fill tortillas with chicken and cheese; roll and place in dish.
7. Top with more sauce and cheese.
8. Bake covered, then uncover to brown.
9. Garnish and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve hot with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Make it spicier: Use hot Hatch green chiles or add diced jalapeños.
• Make it creamier: Stir in cream cheese or extra sour cream to the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can go inside the filling.
• Protein swaps: Try shredded pork, ground beef, or grilled shrimp instead of chicken.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan for sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Foil for covering while baking

Conclusion

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sauce are the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy comfort food and zesty Mexican flavors. Whether you make them for a weeknight family dinner or a special get-together, they’re sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.