Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

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These Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are a perfect blend of creamy chicken, tangy green chiles, and melty cheese—all wrapped up in warm tortillas and baked to golden perfection. This is comfort food that delivers big flavor and even bigger satisfaction.

This recipe brings back memories of Sunday family dinners where enchiladas were always on the menu. I’ve adapted my version with fire-roasted chiles and pepper jack cheese for a little extra kick, while keeping the prep easy and approachable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold & Creamy – Green chiles, sour cream, and melty cheese are a match made in heaven

  • Great for Make-Ahead – Prepare in advance and bake when ready

  • Family-Friendly – Mild spice level and customizable toppings

  • Leftovers? Even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

  • ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

  • ½ tsp black pepper, plus more for seasoning

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup canned diced fire-roasted green chiles

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • 10 flour tortillas (or corn, 6-inch size)

  • 2 cups green chile enchilada sauce

  • 5 oz grated pepper jack cheese

  • 5 oz grated mild cheddar cheese

  • 2 tbsp sliced green onions

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Set the rack to the middle position.

2. Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry.
Cut each in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets.
Place each cutlet in a bag and pound gently to about ½-inch thick.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium.
Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 160–165°F).
Let rest for 10 minutes, then shred with forks or chop finely.

4. Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine:

  • Shredded chicken

  • Sour cream

  • Green chiles

  • ¼ cup each of pepper jack and cheddar cheese

  • Green onions

  • Cumin

  • Garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix well and set aside.

5. Warm the Tortillas

Warm each tortilla briefly on a hot skillet or over a gas flame until soft and pliable.
Stack and cover with a towel to keep warm.

6. Assemble the Enchiladas

Lightly grease a 13×9″ baking dish.
Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom.
Fill each tortilla with about ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture, roll, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining cheeses.

7. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped cilantro and more green onions if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, tangy bite.

Tips for Success

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut

  • Make it spicy – Add jalapeños or use hot green chile sauce

  • Corn vs. Flour – Both work well; corn adds a more traditional flavor

  • Don’t skip resting the chicken – It keeps it juicy and flavorful

  • Double the recipe – These freeze beautifully

Make It Your Own

  • Add Veggies – Try sautéed zucchini or spinach in the filling

  • Creamy Boost – Stir in cream cheese or queso fresco

  • Meat Swap – Use shredded turkey or beef instead

  • Top with Avocado – For freshness and creaminess

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with:

    • Mexican rice

    • Refried beans

    • Fresh guacamole or pico de gallo

  • Perfect for:

    • Family dinners

    • Potlucks

    • Meal prep

Storage & Reheating

  • Store: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days

  • Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions

  • Freeze: Assemble unbaked enchiladas and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen with extra time.

Final Thoughts

These Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. They’re easy enough to whip up on a busy night and delicious enough to serve guests. Try them once and they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!

Share Your Creations

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out—or how you made it your own. I’d love to hear your spin on these cheesy enchiladas!

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy chicken enchiladas with green chile, sour cream, and melty cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • ½ tsp kosher salt plus more for seasoning
  • ½ tsp black pepper plus more for seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup canned diced fire-roasted green chiles
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 10 flour tortillas or corn, 6-inch size
  • 2 cups green chile enchilada sauce
  • 5 oz grated pepper jack cheese
  • 5 oz grated mild cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp sliced green onions
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Set the rack to the middle position.
Prep the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry.
  2. Cut each in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets.
  3. Place each cutlet in a bag and pound gently to about ½-inch thick.
  4. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium.
  2. Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 160–165°F).
  3. Let rest for 10 minutes, then shred with forks or chop finely.
Make the Filling
    In a bowl, combine:
    1. Shredded chicken
    2. Sour cream
    3. Green chiles
    4. ¼ cup each of pepper jack and cheddar cheese
    5. Green onions
    6. Cumin
    7. Garlic powder
    8. Salt and pepper to taste
    9. Mix well and set aside.
    10. Warm the Tortillas
    11. Warm each tortilla briefly on a hot skillet or over a gas flame until soft and pliable.
    12. Stack and cover with a towel to keep warm.
    Assemble the Enchiladas
    1. Lightly grease a 13x9" baking dish.
    2. Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom.
    3. Fill each tortilla with about ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture, roll, and place seam-side down in the dish.
    Repeat with remaining tortillas.
    1. Pour remaining enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining cheeses.
    Bake
    1. Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    Garnish & Serve
    1. Top with chopped cilantro and more green onions if desired.
    2. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, tangy bite.