Authentic Green Chicken Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with these Authentic Green Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe brings a burst of tangy and spicy flavors wrapped in warm corn tortillas, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Let's dive into this delightful dish that's both comforting and exciting!

Ingredients for Authentic Green Chicken Enchiladas

Boneless chicken thighs are the star of this dish, offering a juicy and flavorful base. We use thighs because they stay moist and tender even after cooking. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors. A touch of olive oil helps to sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown.

Cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess to the filling, while shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey and savory delight. Sour cream is the perfect finishing touch, offering a cool contrast to the heat of the jalapeños.

Corn tortillas provide an authentic base for our enchiladas. They're sturdy enough to hold the filling and bake beautifully. Tomatillos bring a fresh, tangy flavor to the sauce, while jalapeños add a kick of heat. Onion and garlic lend depth and aroma to the sauce, and fresh cilantro pairs perfectly with the lime juice for a bright, herbaceous finish. Chicken broth thins the sauce just enough to cover the enchiladas completely.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking.
  • Try lightly toasting the tortillas on a skillet before filling them to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas pair beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad. If you're feeling indulgent, serve with a fresh avocado salad or a tangy slaw for extra crunch and contrast. A cold beer or a refreshing lime margarita will complement the flavors perfectly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they might be less juicy than thighs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the enchiladas and store them covered in the fridge. Bake them just before serving.

Authentic Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F so it’s ready when you are. While it’s warming up, season your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. This helps layer the flavors right from the start. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes per side until they are golden and cooked through. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside.

Don't clean that skillet just yet! In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until your kitchen smells amazing, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the tomatillos and jalapeños. Let them cook until they’ve softened, which usually takes another 5-7 minutes. Then, transfer everything into a blender. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and chicken broth. Blend it all until your sauce is nice and smooth.

Now, let’s get to the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cream cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until everything is well combined. Take your corn tortillas and fill each one with a scoop of this delicious mixture, then roll them up snugly. Place each tortilla seam-side down in a baking dish to prevent them from unrolling.

Pour the blended green sauce over your neatly arranged enchiladas and sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Serve hot, with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors.
  • Made from fresh, wholesome ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
  • Easy enough for a weekday dinner, special enough for guests.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup sour cream
12 corn tortillas
1 lb tomatillos
2 jalapeños
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
4. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and shred using two forks.
5. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
6. Add tomatillos and jalapeños, cooking until softened.
7. Transfer the tomatillo mixture to a blender, adding cilantro, lime juice, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
8. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
9. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
10. Pour the blended green sauce over the enchiladas, and sprinkle with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
12. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.

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