Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce combine tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a tangy, mildly spicy salsa verde, and topped with melted cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a flavorful and comforting meal that can be customized with various ingredients and spice levels.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free (use corn tortillas)
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack), shredded
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)
Green Sauce (Salsa Verde)
- 6 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño, seeded for less heat (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra spice
Assembly & Baking
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas (softened)
- 1 cup cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack), shredded (for topping)
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream or crema
- Prepare the Green Sauce: Blend tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, and jalapeño (if using) until smooth. Heat olive oil in a pan, pour in the blended sauce, and cook gently with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder until it thickens slightly and flavors deepen.
- Cook and Shred the Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or boil chicken breasts until tender. Shred the meat using forks or hands, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Dip each tortilla into the green sauce to coat, add a layer of shredded chicken and cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining green sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the enchiladas rest a few minutes after baking to allow cheese to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Warm tortillas properly on a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave to prevent cracking.
- Homemade green sauce greatly enhances flavor compared to store-bought versions.
- Don’t overfill tortillas to keep enchiladas neat and easy to roll.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to lock in moisture.
- Allow baked enchiladas to cool slightly before cutting to maintain structure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 enchiladas)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken enchiladas, green sauce, salsa verde, Mexican, easy dinner, baked enchiladas, gluten free