When you envision a plate of chicken enchiladas with green sauce, your senses awaken. The tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a vibrant green sauce, releases a tantalizing aroma that makes your mouth water. Imagine the first bite: creamy, savory goodness combined with just the right amount of spice to tickle your taste buds and make you smile.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. I remember the first time I tackled this recipe; my friends gathered around, eyes wide and stomachs growling. Each bite sparked laughter and delight as we shared stories, making it the perfect dish for game nights or cozy family dinners. Trust me, once you experience these enchiladas, they will become your go-to comfort food!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These chicken enchiladas with green sauce are incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight
- Bursting with rich flavors, they will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table
- Visually appealing, they boast bright colors that will impress your guests
- Versatile enough for any occasion, you can serve them at dinner parties or casual gatherings without breaking a sweat
I still chuckle when my brother tried to roll his enchilada like a burrito—let’s just say it was more of an art project than a culinary masterpiece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Green Chiles: Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat tolerance; roasted chiles add fantastic flavor.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional here but feel free to use flour if that’s what your heart desires.
Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar melts beautifully; mix both for extra cheesiness.
Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices; Greek yogurt works too for a healthier twist.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish; chop it finely and sprinkle generously before serving.
For the Sauce:
Green Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought is fine in a pinch; homemade truly elevates the dish!
Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile; fresh garlic can be used but requires more prep time.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime enhances freshness; don’t skip this step for that zingy kick!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, boil water and add your chicken breasts. Cook until they’re tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Mix Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with chopped green chiles, half of your cheese, garlic powder, and lime juice. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Take each tortilla and fill it with about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add Your Sauce and Cheese: Pour green enchilada sauce over the top of your assembled enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top for that gooey finish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoying homemade chicken enchiladas with green sauce is an experience that brings joy not only to your taste buds but also to your heart!
You Must Know
- Making chicken enchiladas with green sauce is a delightful experience
- The aroma of simmering spices fills your kitchen, while the creamy texture of the sauce enchants your taste buds
- You can adjust the heat level for family-friendly meals or spice it up for adventurous eaters!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then prepare the sauce while it cooks. Assemble and bake for cheesy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Swap out chicken for shredded beef or veggies for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses to personalize your enchiladas.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect chicken enchiladas with green sauce, ensure your tortillas are warm before rolling them
- This prevents tearing
- Experiment with homemade versus store-bought sauce to find your favorite flavor profile
- Don’t skimp on cheese—it’s the glue that binds all deliciousness together!
The first time I made chicken enchiladas with green sauce, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them—they even asked for seconds and thirds!
FAQ
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas provide a different texture but work well in enchiladas.
How do I make my green sauce from scratch?
Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro for a fresh homemade green sauce.
What can I serve with chicken enchiladas?
Pair them with rice, beans, or a vibrant salad for a complete meal.

Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
When you think of chicken enchiladas with green sauce, envision tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and drizzled with a vibrant, zesty sauce. This dish not only excites the palate but also brings warmth and joy to your dining table. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals, these enchiladas are sure to impress with their rich flavors and creamy texture. Once you try this easy recipe, it will become your favorite comfort food!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb)
- 1 cup chopped fresh green chiles (mild or spicy)
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cups green enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil water and add chicken breasts. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, green chiles, half the cheese, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- Fill each tortilla with about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture and roll tightly; place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour green enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg