Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious twist on the classic Mexican dish, featuring tender smoked chicken, a flavorful green enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The smoky flavor adds depth, while the tangy and mildly spicy green sauce balances the dish perfectly. This meal is comforting, hearty, and easy to make for a family dinner or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoky and Savory Flavor – The smoked chicken adds a rich and deep flavor to the enchiladas.
Creamy and Cheesy – A generous amount of cheese makes these enchiladas extra comforting.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for a busy night.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra toppings to make it your own.
Great for Leftovers – These enchiladas store and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Smoked chicken (shredded)
Corn tortillas
Green enchilada sauce
Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese (shredded)
Sour cream
Green chilies (diced)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Cumin
Olive oil
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Stir in the green chilies and cumin.
Prepare the Filling – In a bowl, mix the shredded smoked chicken with the sautéed onion mixture, a handful of cheese, and a couple of tablespoons of green enchilada sauce.
Assemble the Enchiladas – Warm the corn tortillas slightly to prevent breaking. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Add the Sauce and Cheese – Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve – Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños to the filling or mix in some hot sauce.
Creamy Version – Stir some cream cheese into the chicken mixture for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure the enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
Different Proteins – Try smoked turkey, shredded pork, or even a vegetarian version with black beans and mushrooms.
Extra Crunch – Top with crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap enchiladas tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of smoked chicken?

Yes, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor. Add a bit of smoked paprika to mimic the taste.

What can I use instead of green enchilada sauce?

Tomatillo salsa or homemade green sauce works well as a substitute.

How do I keep corn tortillas from breaking?

Warm them in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or lightly toast them on a skillet.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them a day ahead, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic texture and flavor.

What toppings go well with these enchiladas?

Avocado, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or a squeeze of lime juice are great additions.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes, assemble the enchiladas in a slow cooker, cover with sauce and cheese, and cook on low for 4 hours.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mix a bit of sour cream or heavy cream into the enchilada sauce for a creamier texture.

What cheese melts best for enchiladas?

Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a Mexican blend cheese work well for a gooey texture.

Are these enchiladas spicy?

They are mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting green chilies and spices.

Conclusion

Smoked Green Chicken Enchiladas bring together bold flavors with a smoky, cheesy, and tangy twist. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a special occasion, these enchiladas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal!