Bianca Houle JohnsonA green chile chicken enchilada recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal, blending the savory flavors of roasted green chiles with tender chicken and rich enchilada sauce. This recipe provides a complete guide, from ingredient selection to cooking instructions, ensuring a successful culinary experience. The versatility of this dish allows for customization to individual preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for both casual and formal gatherings. Understanding the fundamentals of this recipe unlocks a world of flavor combinations and culinary creativity. Mastering this dish allows for easy adaptation to different spice levels and ingredient substitutions.
This classic dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined to create a complex and satisfying culinary experience. The careful balance of flavors, textures, and aromas makes for a dish that is both comforting and exciting. The green chile chicken enchilada recipe presented here provides a foundation upon which culinary exploration can flourish. Variations can be easily incorporated to suit individual palates and dietary restrictions. The method’s adaptability is a key to its enduring popularity and adaptability across diverse culinary traditions.
The fundamental components of this recipe are easily sourced and relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The detailed instructions minimize the room for error, resulting in a consistently delicious outcome. This recipe prioritizes fresh ingredients to enhance both taste and visual appeal.
Ingredients for Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions for Preparing Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
- Cook chicken: Boil or bake chicken until cooked through. Shred chicken.
- Saut onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add green chiles, Rotel, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken.
- Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture, roll up, and place seam-down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over enchiladas.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Recipe
This green chile chicken enchilada recipe requires approximately 45-50 minutes of active cooking time, plus 20-25 minutes of baking time. The recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on individual appetite. The preparation time includes steps for preparing the chicken and the sauce, ensuring efficiency and organization in the cooking process. The resulting dish is well-suited for serving at a variety of gatherings, offering a balance of flavor and convenience. Proper timing ensures the chicken is cooked through while the cheese is melted perfectly. Yield is easily adjustable based on the number of tortillas used.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Baking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | 45-50 minutes | 6-8 |
Nutritional Information for Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
This green chile chicken enchilada recipe provides a source of protein from the chicken, fiber from the tortillas and vegetables, and calcium from the cheese. The nutritional content can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Portion sizes will also impact the overall nutritional values. The recipe’s balance of macronutrients makes it a satisfying and relatively healthy meal choice. The addition of vegetables contributes vital vitamins and minerals.
Precise nutritional values depend on specific ingredient choices, and should be verified using a nutrition calculator that takes into account serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
Tips for Cooking Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Success with this recipe hinges on careful attention to detail and a few key techniques that maximize flavor and texture. Minor adjustments in the cooking process can significantly impact the overall result. Utilizing high-quality ingredients directly correlates with the final products quality.
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Use high-quality enchilada sauce:
Investing in a good quality enchilada sauce significantly elevates the overall flavor profile. Look for sauces with a balance of spices and a smooth consistency. Experiment with different brands to discover your personal preference. Homemade sauce can also add a personal touch and allow for precise control over ingredients and spiciness. Consider adding a touch of sweetness to balance the heat of the chiles.
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Don’t overfill the tortillas:
Overfilling the tortillas can lead to breakage during rolling and uneven cooking. Aim for a filling that is substantial yet manageable. Practice rolling a few test enchiladas to determine the optimal amount of filling. Proper filling technique ensures even cooking and prevents spills during baking.
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Warm the tortillas:
Warming the tortillas before filling makes them more pliable and less prone to breaking. This simple step enhances the overall eating experience. Several methods exist for warming tortillas, including microwaving, steaming, or simply warming them in a dry skillet. Choose the method that best suits your kitchen setup and time constraints.
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Use fresh ingredients whenever possible:
Fresh ingredients result in a more vibrant flavor. The freshness of the ingredients is directly reflected in the taste and appearance of the final dish. Using high-quality ingredients is paramount for creating an exceptional culinary experience.
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Adjust the spice level to your preference:
The amount of green chiles used can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase as needed. Other spices can also be used to modify the overall flavor profile. Always taste-test before adding additional seasoning.
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Garnish generously:
A generous garnish adds visual appeal and extra flavor. Fresh cilantro, chopped onions, sour cream, and additional cheese are all excellent garnish options. Presentation significantly enhances the dining experience. Consider the overall color scheme when choosing garnishes.
The preparation of this dish allows for considerable flexibility, permitting creative adjustments to both ingredients and methods. The focus should always remain on balanced flavors and a satisfying texture. Experimentation is encouraged, as variations can lead to unique and delicious results.
The result is a dish that is both comforting and flavorful, a perfect example of the culinary possibilities offered by accessible ingredients and simple techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions about Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
This section addresses common queries about this recipe, helping to ensure a successful cooking experience. Understanding these points beforehand allows for a more efficient and less stressful cooking process. Addressing these frequently asked questions ahead of time helps to avoid potential pitfalls during cooking.
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Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Ensure the chicken is properly shredded and well-seasoned to integrate seamlessly into the enchilada filling. Using leftover chicken is a time-saving strategy. The consistency and flavor of the cooked chicken will not be significantly impacted by reheating.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Cover the assembled dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Baking time may need to be slightly increased if baking from a cold state. This ahead-of-time preparation is a great way to save time and effort on busy days.
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What kind of cheese is best?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. Personal preference is key when it comes to cheese selection. The melting characteristics of the cheese are important, allowing for a gooey and satisfying topping. Consider trying different blends to discover your preferred flavor profile.
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Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze assembled (unbaked) enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Freezing is a great way to prepare meals ahead of time and save time later. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Understanding the nuances of this recipe leads to a deeper appreciation of its simplicity and deliciousness. Mastering the technique allows for customization and exploration of different flavor profiles.
The green chile chicken enchilada recipe, when executed correctly, delivers a consistently delicious and satisfying meal. The dish’s adaptability and relative simplicity make it a staple for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to successfully prepare a flavorful and satisfying green chile chicken enchilada dish. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!