Zesty Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde Recipe for Taco Night

Creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas with salsa verde dance with vibrant Mexican flavors that will steal your heart.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises comfort in every bite.

The zesty salsa verde provides a tangy kick that perfectly complements tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft tortillas.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling blanket that makes these enchiladas irresistible.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream elevate the final presentation, adding brightness and richness.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with a Mexican classic that brings warmth and joy to the table.

Enchilada Tips for Saucy and Flavorful Results

• Chicken Selection Boost flavor by using rotisserie chicken or dark meat for richer, more tender results.
• Spice Balance Adjust jalapeño quantity to control heat level, removing seeds for milder taste or adding more for extra kick.
• Cream Cheese Trick Soften cream cheese beforehand to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation into chicken filling.
• Salsa Verde Secret Roast tomatillos and peppers before boiling for deeper, more complex salsa verde flavor profile.
• Tortilla Tip Warm tortillas briefly to prevent cracking and make rolling easier without drying out the wrap.

Different Enchilada Variations for Spicy Fans

• Vegetarian Verde Enchiladas: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Green Enchiladas: Add extra jalapeños or serrano peppers to increase heat level and create a more intense salsa verde.
• Low-Carb Chicken Wraps: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of table cream and replace mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative.

Ideas for Serving Chicken Enchiladas

• Fiesta-Style Plating: Arrange enchiladas on a colorful ceramic plate, creating a vibrant Mexican-inspired presentation that celebrates the dish's rich colors and textures.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top with extra chopped cilantro, diced white onions, and a dollop of Mexican crema for added freshness and creamy contrast to the warm enchiladas.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside fluffy Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp cabbage slaw to complement the enchiladas' bold salsa verde and cheesy filling.
• Cool Companion Dips: Offer additional salsa verde or a zesty avocado crema on the side for guests who love extra sauce and want to customize their dining experience.

Storing Chicken Enchiladas for Easy Meals

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• What makes salsa verde different from other salsas?

Salsa verde uses green tomatillos instead of red tomatoes, giving it a tangy, slightly acidic flavor with a bright green color. The combination of roasted tomatillos, jalapenos, and cilantro creates a unique, fresh taste that sets it apart from traditional red salsas.

• Can I use a different type of cheese for my enchiladas?

While the recipe uses mozzarella, you can substitute with queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor and melting characteristic to the dish, so choose based on your preference.

• Is it necessary to boil the salsa verde ingredients?

Boiling the tomatillos, garlic, onion, and jalapeno helps soften them and mellow their sharp flavors.

Chicken Enchiladas Salsa Verde Reasons to Love Mexican Nights

• Whip up these chicken enchiladas in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• This Mexican classic brings everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness and bold salsa verde that packs a flavor punch.
• Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Looks like a restaurant-quality dish but surprisingly simple to prepare, making you feel like a culinary pro without complicated techniques.

All About Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas

• Shredded Chicken: The main protein that provides a tender and flavorful filling for the enchiladas.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the chicken filling.

• Tomatillos, Garlic, Onion, Jalapeno: Fresh vegetables that create the base of the tangy green sauce.
• Cilantro: Provides a fresh and bright herb flavor to the salsa verde.
• Table Cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances the depth of flavor in the salsa verde.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the chicken filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the enchiladas for a creamy finish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the salsa verde.
• Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Paprika: Spices that season the chicken filling and enhance overall flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro, Chopped Onion: Optional garnishes that add freshness and extra flavor.

Must-Have Tools for Enchilada Night

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth, creamy salsa verde.
• Frying Pan: Perfect for cooking chicken filling and preparing salsa.
• Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking enchiladas.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping cilantro, onion, and other ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Stepwise Guide to Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Filling

Warm shredded chicken in a skillet and elevate its flavor with a blend of salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.

The spices will dance and infuse the meat with rich, bold taste.

Step 2: Melt Creamy Goodness

Introduce cream cheese to the chicken, stirring continuously until the two merge into a smooth, velvety mixture.

The cheese will create a luxurious texture that makes the filling irresistible.

Step 3: Boost Filling Moisture

Pour chicken stock into the skillet, allowing the liquid to mingle with the chicken and cream cheese.

Let it simmer for several minutes, creating a succulent and flavorful base.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Boil Salsa Verde Components

Submerge tomatillos, garlic, onion, and jalapeño in boiling water.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their vibrant flavors.

Step 5: Transform Salsa Into Silky Sauce

Transfer boiled ingredients to a blender.

Add fresh cilantro, table cream, and chicken stock.

Blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, emerald-green sauce.

Step 6: Develop Salsa Verde Depth

Heat olive oil in a pan and pour the blended mixture.

Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, concentrating its tangy and herbaceous profile.

Step 7: Fine-Tune Salsa Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the salsa verde, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 8: Warm Tortilla Wrappers

Soften tortillas in the microwave or on a stovetop griddle, making them pliable and ready for rolling.

Step 9: Create Enchilada Bundles

Dip each tortilla in salsa verde, then generously fill with the creamy chicken mixture.

Roll tightly, creating plump enchilada packages.

Step 10: Arrange Enchiladas

Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.

Lavish them with remaining salsa verde and shower with mozzarella cheese.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake until the cheese melts and develops golden bubbles, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 12: Add Fresh Flourish

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and diced onion over the enchiladas, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken enchiladas with salsa verde showcase Mexican culinary traditions with bold, tangy flavors. Home cooks can easily craft this comforting dish that brings zesty southwestern charm to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Salsa Verde and Filling Ingredients:

• 8–10 tomatillos
• 1/4 white onion
• 1/4 bunch cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeno pepper (optional)
• 1/4 bar cream cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 can table cream (7.6 ounces / 225 milliliters)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Chopped onion (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Transform shredded chicken in a skillet, infusing with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika for robust flavor profiles.
2. Incorporate cream cheese into chicken mixture, stirring until uniformly blended and creamy.
3. Introduce chicken stock, allowing ingredients to meld together for 5 minutes over medium heat, then remove from cooking surface.
4. Submerge tomatillos, garlic, onion, and jalapeño in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until softened.
5. Pulverize boiled vegetables with cilantro, table cream, and chicken stock in blender until achieving silky, uniform consistency.
6. Transfer blended salsa verde into heated skillet with olive oil, simmering for 3-5 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
7. Calibrate salsa verde’s taste with strategic salt and pepper adjustments.
8. Warm tortillas until pliable, either using microwave or stovetop technique.
9. Delicately coat each tortilla with salsa verde, then generously fill with seasoned chicken mixture and roll compactly.
10. Arrange rolled enchiladas in baking dish, lavishly coating with remaining salsa verde and sprinkling mozzarella cheese.
11. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
12. Optionally embellish with freshly chopped cilantro and onion for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to reduce fat and add protein for a healthier version.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or to enhance traditional Mexican authenticity.
• Roast tomatillos and peppers instead of boiling to develop deeper, smokier salsa verde flavors.
• Prepare filling and salsa verde ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and intensify taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg