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New Mexico Green Chile Chicken

A hearty Southwestern classic featuring tender shredded chicken wrapped in corn tortillas, smothered in tangy Hatch green chile sauce, and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining!  
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: Mexican/Southwestern
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 0.5 cup onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 10-12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups Hatch green chile sauce or canned green enchilada sauce
  • 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • Garnish and Serving
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 0.5 cup sour cream optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through, allowing the spices to bloom and flavor the chicken mixture.
  3. Soften the Tortillas: Quickly warm the corn tortillas either in a dry skillet for about 10 seconds per side or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds between damp paper towels. This step is crucial as it makes the tortillas pliable and prevents them from cracking when rolled.
  4. Prepare the Base: Pour approximately 120 ml of the green chile sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful base that will help prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
  5. Assemble the Enchiladas: Take one warmed tortilla, add a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture down the center, and sprinkle with some of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining green chile sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they're completely covered to keep them moist during baking. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  7. Bake: Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden-brown edges. The sauce should be simmering around the edges of the dish.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with optional sour cream on the side for added creaminess and to balance the heat of the chile sauce.

Notes

  • Authentic Hatch green chiles from New Mexico provide the best flavor, but canned green enchilada sauce works well as a substitute.
  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use hot green chile sauce.
  • This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
  • Leftover enchiladas reheat well in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave.