Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 18 ounces green enchilada sauce; 3 cups cooked chicken (cubed); 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); 4 ounces canned green chilis; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 8 large flour tortillas

Published: December 22, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious enchiladas ready to bake in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of tender chicken, cream cheese, and green chilis creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
Versatile Toppings: Customize your enchiladas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocados, or fresh tomatoes for an extra burst of freshness.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9 x 13 baking dish
Non-stick cooking spray
Medium mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

9 x 13 baking dish: This size is perfect for accommodating all your rolled enchiladas while allowing them to bake evenly.
Non-stick cooking spray: It prevents the enchiladas from sticking to the baking dish, ensuring easy serving.
Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Filling

18 ounces green enchilada sauce (can substitute red)
3 cups rotisserie chicken (or leftover cooked chicken, cubed)
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
4 ounces canned green chilis

For Assembly

3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded (plus more for the top if desired))
8 large flour tortillas

For Toppings

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1 whole avocado (sliced)

How to Make Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking when you’re ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Spread about 1 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
1. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken cubes.
2. Room-temperature cream cheese.
3. Canned green chilis.
4. 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Fill the Tortillas

Take each tortilla and fill it with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture. Roll it up tightly and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this step until all 8 tortillas are filled.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. They should be heated through and have golden brown cheese on top.

Step 7: Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and top with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados as desired. Enjoy your delicious Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas!

How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Serving your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas is just as important as making them. These enchiladas are versatile and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to enhance their flavors. Here are some great serving suggestions.

Toppings

Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat of the chilis.
Fresh Salsa – Use homemade or store-bought salsa for an extra kick and freshness.
Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal note.
Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado slices complement the enchiladas beautifully.

Sides

Mexican Rice – Serve with fluffy Mexican rice for a filling meal.
Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans are a classic side that pairs perfectly with enchiladas.
Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch.

Drinks

Lemonade – A refreshing glass of lemonade can balance out the spice of the dish.
Hibiscus Tea – This floral drink provides a unique flavor that pairs well with Mexican cuisine.

How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Perfecting your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Following these suggestions can elevate your dish to restaurant quality.

Use Rotisserie Chicken – Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Soften Cream Cheese – Letting cream cheese come to room temperature makes it easier to mix with other ingredients.
Layer Flavors – Add spices such as cumin or garlic powder to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Don’t Overfill Tortillas – Be mindful not to overstuff your tortillas; this helps in rolling them easily without tearing.
Adjust Spice Level – If you’re sensitive to heat, consider using mild green chilis or reducing the amount used.
Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking helps set them and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Adding complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal alongside your Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas. Here are some excellent options you might consider:

Mexican Rice – A seasoned rice dish that absorbs flavors wonderfully and fills you up.
Refried Beans – Creamy and rich, these beans provide a hearty side that pairs well with enchiladas.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and texture to your meal.
Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip is perfect for scooping up with chips or adding directly onto your enchiladas.
Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro mixed together make a zesty topping or side dish.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled vegetables add color and healthy nutrients to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas can be a fun and delicious experience, but there are common mistakes to watch for. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

Overfilling the tortillas: Too much filling can cause the tortillas to tear. Use about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture in each tortilla for the best results.
Ignoring the sauce: Skipping the enchilada sauce at the bottom of the dish can lead to dry enchiladas. Always spread some sauce before adding your rolled tortillas.
Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese is harder to mix with other ingredients and may result in lumps. Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Not letting them rest: Cutting into your enchiladas right out of the oven can make them fall apart. Let them cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
Forgetting toppings: Toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado elevate flavor. Don’t skip these; they add freshness and creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe that might help you further!

Can I use different types of meat in this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked beef, turkey, or lamb for varied flavors.

How spicy are these Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the type of green chilis you use. Mild green chilis will yield a less spicy enchilada.

Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms and use plant-based cheese.

How do I make my own enchilada sauce?

You can make a simple enchilada sauce using tomato sauce, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder combined in a pot and simmered until thickened.

What toppings go well with Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas?

Popular toppings include chopped cilantro, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and fresh lime wedges for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is not only cheesy and comforting but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with different proteins or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its creamy goodness paired with spices that excite your palate!

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