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 (can substitute red); 3 cups rotisserie chicken (or leftover cooked chicken, cubed); 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); 4 ounces canned green chilis; 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 8 large flour tortillas

Published: December 27, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of green chilis and cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, these enchiladas work well as a main dish or for meal prepping throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy and cheesy dish, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like avocado, sour cream, or salsa for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready ensures that you can focus on creating these mouthwatering enchiladas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish (9 x 13)
Mixing bowl
Cooking spray
Measuring cups
Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and browning of your enchiladas.
Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden finish on your enchiladas.

Ingredients

These quick and easy green chicken enchiladas are cheesy, creamy and oh-so-delicious. They are stuffed full of tender chicken, cream cheese and spicy green chilis, slathered in enchilada sauce and finished with melted cheese and all of your favorite toppings.

For the Enchiladas

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

For Garnish

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. This step is essential to ensure even cooking for your enchiladas.

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
2. Room temperature cream cheese
3. Canned green chilis
4. 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Fill the Tortillas

Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture:
1. Roll up each tortilla tightly.
2. Place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
3. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas:
1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over everything.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes:
1. Watch for signs that they are heated through.
2. Look for golden brown cheese on top as an indicator that they’re ready.

Step 7: Serve

Top with sour cream, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocados as desired:
1. Serve immediately while hot.
2. Enjoy your delicious Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas!

How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

These green chili chicken enchiladas are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Toppings

Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
Fresh Salsa – Top with fresh salsa for an extra kick of flavor and freshness.
Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle some chopped cilantro for added freshness and color.

Sides

Mexican Rice – Serve with flavorful Mexican rice to complement the enchiladas.
Refried Beans – Add some refried beans for protein and creaminess on the side.
Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the spicy enchiladas.

Salad

Simple Green Salad – A light salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast.
Corn Salad – A sweet corn salad brings a burst of flavor that complements the enchiladas well.

How to Perfect Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

To make your green chili chicken enchiladas even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Flavor Boost – Use freshly roasted green chilies instead of canned ones for a richer flavor.
Creamy Texture – Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother filling.
Cheese Variety – Blend different types of cheese like Monterey Jack for added depth in flavor.
Tortilla Freshness – Warm tortillas slightly before filling them to prevent tearing and enhance taste.
Bake Time Accuracy – Keep an eye on baking time; remove them when cheese is melted and bubbly but not burnt.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your green chili chicken enchiladas enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice infused with spices that complement the enchiladas perfectly.
Refried Beans – Creamy beans that add richness and protein to your plate.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter makes a tasty addition.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add color and nutrition.
Avocado Salad – A fresh avocado salad brings brightness and creaminess to balance flavors.
Chips and Guacamole – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with smooth guacamole make for a fun appetizer or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making green chili chicken enchiladas can be simple, but certain mistakes can hinder the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

Skipping the sauce layer: Not adding sauce to the bottom of the baking dish can lead to sticking. Always spread a layer of enchilada sauce before placing your tortillas.
Overfilling tortillas: Stuffing too much filling into each tortilla can cause them to break. Aim for about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla for easy rolling.
Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese makes it hard to mix with other ingredients. Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
Not preheating the oven: Baking your enchiladas in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to 375°F before baking.
Omitting toppings: Skipping toppings like sour cream or fresh avocado can make your dish less flavorful. Don’t forget to dress up your enchiladas before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store leftover enchiladas in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent odors from mixing.

Freezing Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Duration: These enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, which helps retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of chicken for green chili chicken enchiladas?

You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Both options provide tenderness and flavor, making them perfect for this recipe.

Can I make these green chili chicken enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What toppings go well with green chili chicken enchiladas?

Popular toppings include sour cream, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocados, and shredded lettuce. Feel free to customize based on your preference!

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar is recommended, you can try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This green chili chicken enchiladas recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or adjust the heat level by using mild or spicy green chilis. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress everyone at the table! Give this recipe a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!

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