Name: Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2½ cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ¾ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas; 1 (28 oz) can green enchilada sauce; Finely chopped cilantro, for serving; Red pepper flakes, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, gooey cheese, and tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, you are going to be head over heels for this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. It’s the perfect comfort food that balances tangy green enchilada sauce with the creamy, cheesy filling and a little hint of spice. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas always steal the show and become instant favorites. Let me take you through everything you need to know to make this dish shine in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shows two rolled pieces of enchiladas placed side by side inside a white rectangular pan with brown handles. Each roll is covered with a thick layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with small green herb bits and tiny red flakes. The cheese stretches slightly between the two enchiladas, revealing some melted texture beneath. The bottom layer consists of a light green sauce with a slightly oily texture pooling around the base of the enchiladas. Fresh parsley leaves are placed on the white marbled surface near the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the rich, comforting taste and inviting texture that make these enchiladas irresistible. From the tender shredded chicken to the melty blend of cheeses and the zesty green enchilada sauce, each element comes together beautifully to make this dish truly special.

Cooked, shredded chicken (2½ cups): Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for quick prep and tender meat.
Shredded mozzarella (2⅓ cups): Adds mild, melty creaminess that blends perfectly with the other cheeses.
Shredded Monterey Jack (2⅓ cups): Offers a buttery flavor with excellent melting qualities for that perfect cheese pull.
Sour cream (¾ cup): Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the spice and keeps the filling moist.
Taco seasoning (2 tablespoons): Packs in bold flavors and a hint of smoky spice for depth.
Corn tortillas (10, 6 inch): Soft yet sturdy, these are the ideal wraps that hold all the delicious filling and sauce.
Green enchilada sauce (1 can, 28 oz): The star of the dish with tangy, vibrant flavor and just the right heat.
Finely chopped cilantro (optional): A fresh herbal garnish that adds brightness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who likes an extra kick of spice on top.

How to Make Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, placing the rack in the center for the most even cooking. This ensures your enchiladas cook perfectly through without drying out.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1½ cups of mozzarella, 1½ cups of Monterey Jack, sour cream, and taco seasoning. This combo creates an irresistible creamy and flavorful filling that’s the heart of your Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap your corn tortillas in a damp paper towel or clean kitchen towel, then microwave them for about 1 minute. Warming them makes them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.

Step 4: Roll the Enchiladas

Heat the green enchilada sauce gently in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Dip each tortilla in the warm sauce until it’s lightly coated on both sides — this adds amazing flavor and ensures the tortillas don’t dry out in the oven. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the chicken filling onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Keep going until all tortillas and filling are used up.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, then sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses. Bake everything for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling hot and the cheese has melted into a golden, gooey topping.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes so all those lovely flavors settle and the cheese firms up just enough to slice easily. Don’t forget to sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love that extra pop of color and spice.

How to Serve Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

A white rectangular pan filled with six rolled enchiladas arranged side by side. Each enchilada is covered with a smooth layer of melted white cheese, which has slightly browned spots. The enchiladas sit in a generous pool of green sauce that fills the bottom of the pan and touches the edges. Small pieces of chopped green herbs and red chili flakes are scattered evenly over the cheese on top. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with sprigs of fresh green cilantro around it. To the right, there is a small white bowl with red chili flakes. A wooden spoon and a woman's hand holding some cilantro are partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes delivers a playful kick for spice lovers. Sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can also complement these enchiladas beautifully if you want to personalize your plate even more.

Side Dishes

Pair these enchiladas with a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or black beans for a well-rounded meal. A side of guacamole or fresh pico de gallo can bring refreshing notes and a little texture contrast that makes the whole experience more exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these enchiladas family-style right in the baking dish for a cozy dinner gathering or plate them individually with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of cilantro on top for a restaurant-ready presentation. For a fun twist, try layering the filling and sauce in a casserole dish for a “deconstructed” enchilada bake that’s just as tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Green Chicken Enchiladas keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as they rest, making reheated servings deliciously satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze the enchiladas either before baking or after. To freeze before baking, assemble the enchiladas and cover the dish tightly with foil, then wrap with plastic wrap before freezing. For baked leftovers, place cooled enchiladas in freezer-safe containers. They keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions or heat in the oven for that lovely crisp edge on top.

FAQs

Can I use chicken other than cooked shredded chicken?

Absolutely! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast, or even shredded turkey. Just ensure it’s moist enough to blend well with the cheese and sour cream mixture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and consider adding beans for protein. The green enchilada sauce and cheese filling remain just as delicious with these swaps.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the enchiladas a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add the extra sauce and cheese, then bake as directed.

What can I use instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas provide the authentic flavor and texture, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that they may change the overall taste and softness of the dish slightly.

How spicy is this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the taco seasoning and green enchilada sauce. If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy salsa on the side.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you dive into this Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, it’s going to be a go-to in your dinner rotation. It’s comforting, cheesy, tangy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and enjoy the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. Happy cooking!