If there’s one dish guaranteed to have my family racing to the dinner table, it’s this Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. Vibrant, creamy, and packed with satisfying flavors, these enchiladas are weeknight-friendly but festive enough to serve when company comes over. The lush green sauce, delicate chicken, melty cheese, and pillowy tortillas hit all the comfort food notes without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you love Mexican-inspired dinners that come together simply, this one will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, bringing rich color, bold taste, and irresistible texture. The beauty of the Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is how it transforms a few staple ingredients into a dish that feels truly special.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: The tender, juicy protein base soaks up all those incredible flavors and makes these enchiladas so hearty.
- Green enchilada sauce: This tangy, slightly spicy sauce bathes the filling and tops off the enchiladas for loads of flavor and gorgeous color.
- Sour cream: Adds richness to the filling and balances the bright green sauce for ultimate creaminess.
- Diced green chiles: Little pops of mild heat and freshness that keep every bite interesting without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic powder: A simple pantry favorite that deepens all the savory notes in the filling.
- Ground cumin: Infuses that warm, earthy essence you expect from classic Tex-Mex dishes.
- Salt: The essential seasoning that brings out all the flavors.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Pillowy and soft, these wrap up the chicken mixture and create those iconic enchilada layers—use corn for a gluten-free option.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, creating a bubbly, golden crown for your enchiladas.
- Fresh cilantro: Optional, but the chopped leaves add a pop of color and a little herbal brightness as a garnish.
- Vegetable oil: Just a bit for greasing the dish so nothing sticks, making cleanup easier!
How to Make Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with vegetable oil, which helps the enchiladas lift out easily and keeps every bite golden and delicious. A properly prepped pan sets the stage for the whole Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a roomy mixing bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, half of the green enchilada sauce, sour cream, diced green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Stir until everything is beautifully combined—you want that creamy, tangy filling in every bite. This part always smells so inviting!
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
Spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it in a line down the center. Tuck and roll the tortilla tightly, then lay it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat until your dish is snug and full—don’t worry if the enchiladas are cozy in there, that just means more melty cheese on top.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the rest of your green enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then shower the whole pan with your shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese. Make sure every enchilada gets a generous layer for maximum gooey goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes—the steam helps everything meld together. Then, remove the foil and let the cheese get wonderfully melty and golden by baking for another 10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this part, signaling that the Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is almost ready to devour.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once bubbly and golden, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro if you like. Serve these enchiladas piping hot, and watch as everyone gathers around, eager for that first cheesy, saucy bite.
How to Serve Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
The joy of serving enchiladas is making each plate beautiful with your favorite garnishes. A scatter of fresh cilantro brings a lovely freshness and burst of green. For extra zing, add sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream. Colorful radish slices or avocado fan slices turn a classic meal into an Instagram-worthy feast.
Side Dishes
The Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe shines alongside simple accompaniments. Classic Mexican rice, black or pinto beans, or a quick corn salad add satisfying variety. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lime and a sprinkle of queso fresco.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try serving enchiladas family-style in the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves. For a more elegant twist, plate two enchiladas per person on colorful plates, pile on the toppings, and drizzle with extra sauce. Or create an enchilada bar, with assorted toppings and sides so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place cooled enchiladas in an airtight container, and be sure to include a little extra sauce on top to keep them moist and flavorful. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.
Freezing
This Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a freezer superstar. Build your enchiladas (but wait on the cheese), cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, add cheese on top, and bake as directed—your future self will thank you for stashing these away!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your enchiladas (in their baking dish or individual portions) in a 350°F oven until bubbly, about 20 minutes. For speedy lunches, microwave individual enchiladas with a splash of water and a fresh sprinkle of cheese until heated through. They come out just as creamy and satisfying as day one.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—it’s already juicy and flavorful, making this Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe even easier for busy nights.
Are these enchiladas gluten-free?
Yes, simply use corn tortillas in place of flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this Mexican main even with dietary restrictions.
What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers add extra nutrition and a savory boost to the filling. Feel free to get creative with what’s in your fridge!
Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare and assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No problem—just leave it out or swap in sliced green onions or chopped parsley for garnish. The Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe still shines with or without cilantro.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a celebration but comes together in a flash, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable for all kinds of occasions. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and discover just how simple and delicious enchiladas can be!
Print
Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy to make Green Chicken Enchiladas with a flavorful filling wrapped in tortillas and baked to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Assembly:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine chicken, half of enchilada sauce, sour cream, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Enhance the filling with sautéed onions or spinach.
- Enchiladas can be frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
