Green Enchilada Recipe

This Enchiladas Verdes recipe is irresistibly delicious, boldly seasoned, wonderfully cheesy and about to become a new family favorite! These enchiladas are better than your favorite restaurant and easy to make at home!

top view of enchiladas verdes casserole topped with cheese, cilantro, tomatoes, avocados


ย 

Irresistibly Easy Enchiladas Verde

ย If youโ€™ve been following me for long at all, you know I am a huge enchilada fan. From my crazy popularย Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas to my Jalapeno Chicken Enchiladas to my Barbacoa Beef Enchiladas to my Creamy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas to my Breakfast Ham and Cheese Enchiladas โ€“ you might be wondering if there is room for one more enchilada recipe?ย 

The answer is yes, yes and yes when they are as irresistible as these Enchiladas Verdes!

These Enchiladas Verdes are my only enchilada recipe that uses green enchilada sauce and corn tortillas โ€“ and itโ€™s about time. They are cheesy, savory, tangy, smoky, flavorful and everything enchiladas should be.ย  I had to pull myself away from eating an unreasonable portion of these chicken enchiladas โ€“ but then I went back for more.

Why youโ€™ll love this Green Enchilada Recipe

Making chicken enchiladas at home is very easy and Iโ€™ve simplified the process even further in this Enchiladas Verdes recipe โ€“ and made them more delicious at the same time โ€“ winning!ย 

In most chicken enchilada recipes, the tortillas are just stuffed with chicken and something creamy, but in this Enchiladas Verdes recipe, the chicken is first seasoned with a bevy of smoky fiesta seasonings.ย  This elevates these Enchiladas Verdes to a whole new level โ€“ restaurant level โ€“ or beyond.ย 
The seasoned chicken is combined with enchilada sauce, sour cream, and Monterrey Jack cheese for a one-stop filing instead of tediously layering them separately.

All that goodness gets rolled in chewy corn tortillas then smothered in bright, tangy, green enchilada sauce and of course โ€“ more cheese.

This Enchiladas Verdes recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, can be prepped in the morning and baked at night, made in mass quantities, and/or frozen for later.ย  They also make terrific leftovers โ€“ even with eggs for breakfast!

up close of a spatula digging into cheese enchiladas verdes
ingredient icon

Chicken Enchiladas ingredients

In addition to chicken and tortillas, you will need the following:

  • green enchilada sauce: use mild green enchilada sauce so you can customize the heat otherwise the enchiladas will be too spicy.
  • cheese: I love the combination of both sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese in enchiladas verdes.ย  Sharp cheese cuts through the enchilada sauce and offers a distinct flavor contrast whereas Monterrey Jack is milder so it complements the sauce and offers hints of creamy, buttery flavor.ย Please use freshly grated cheese because pre-shredded packaged cheeses use anti-clumping chemicals which prevent them from melting as well.
  • tortillas: I recommend corn tortillas because the corn flavor pairs fantastically with the verde sauce. If you use flour tortillas which are neutral in flavor, you will be missing a dynamic flavor element.ย 
  • sour cream: makes for an extra creamy filling. You may substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • seasonings: chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper andย chipotle powder round out the flavor profile and make this the best enchiladas verdes recipe!

How to make Enchiladas

Letโ€™s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Filling:ย  The star of any enchilada is the filling and this Enchiladas Verde filling is spectacular โ€“ and SO easy!ย  I use an easy shortcut method by stirring all the filling ingredients together in one bowl.ย  This eliminates all the steps of layering each individual tortilla with chicken, cheese and sauce.

Instead, we simply add ยฝ cup enchilada sauce, 1 cup sour cream and all filling seasonings to a large bowl and stir together.ย 

Stir in shredded chicken until combined followed by cheese until evenly combined.

How quick and easy was that?!

showing how to make chicken enchiladas by mixing chicken, sour cream, green enchilada sauce and cheese together in a white bowl.
showing how to make chicken enchiladas by draining fried corn tortillas on a paper towel

OR Microwave Tortillas:ย  You can microwave the tortillas instead of frying but it does not work as well as foolproof frying.ย  To microwave corn tortillas, work in 2 batches. Place 6 tortillas on a microwave safe plate, cover with a moist paper towel and microwave 40 to 50 seconds so they are warm and pliable.ย  Proceed to dip these tortillas in enchilada sauce and fill before microwaving the second batch. Keep the tortillas you arenโ€™t using covered with a dish cloth to stay warm.

Dip Tortillas: Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce then place on a cutting board to fill.ย  The enchilada sauce makes the tortilla even more pliable to prevent tearing and infuses it with verde goodness through and through.

showing how to make enchiladas verdes by dipping corn tortillas in enchilada sauce

How to roll enchiladas

Fill Tortillas:ย  Add a generous amount of filling (about 1/3 cup) to the center of each tortilla.ย 

showing how to make enchiladas verdes by adding chicken to the center of corn tortillas

Roll Tortillas:ย  Roll up each tortilla and place seam side down in prepared baking dish.ย  If your tortillas seem like a tight fit, thatโ€™s fine โ€“ just squeeze them in!ย 

Get Saucy:ย  Pour all remaining enchilada sauce left in the can and from the pie dish you used to dip the tortillas all over the enchiladas.ย  Try and spread the enchilada sauce evenly over the top so none of the tortillas are dry.

Get Cheesy: Sprinkle with 1 ยฝ cups cheese.ย  You can use less cheese if you like, but more cheese means more delicious.ย  ย ย 

showing how to make chicken enchiladas by topping with cheese

How Long to bake Enchiladas?

Bake Enchiladas Verdes at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Broil until cheese is golden in spots. You donโ€™t want to broil too long though or the cheese wonโ€™t be as gooey.ย 

showing how to make enchiladas verdes by baking and topping with cheese, cilantro, tomatoes, avocados

Green Enchilada Recipe tips

  • Use canned green enchilada sauce as opposed to jarred salsa verde.ย  They are similar but not the same.
  • Use MILD green enchilada sauce.ย  If you use hot enchilada sauce, your Enchiladas Verdes might be WAY too spicy. Instead, add hot sauce to taste if you like it spicier.
  • To make these green enchiladas come together super quickly, use rotisserie or prepare your own shredded chicken in advance.ย  Iโ€™ve included instructions on how to make your own shredded section in the post.
  • You can customize your chicken enchiladas with any vegetables you like.ย  Iโ€™ve included some ideas below.ย  If you add veggies, you will want to use less chicken or there will be too much filling.
  • I prefer corn tortillas but you may use flour tortillas.ย  If you use flour tortillas you do not need to fry them or dip them in the green enchilada sauce.

Green Enchiladas Recipe Variations

I love these Enchiladas Verdes simple with chicken and cheese, but you can customize them in SO many different ways:

  • add black beans, white beans or refried beans
  • add rice or sweet potatoes
  • add olives or fire roasted tomatoes
  • add spinach or other veggies such as corn or zucchini
  • use more or less cheese
  • use flour or corn tortillas
  • substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream
  • top with all or some of your favs such as sour cream (highly recommend), cilantro, jalapenos, avocados, tomatoes, black olives.
  • add hot sauce to your enchiladas once their baked.ย  I suggest this after-cooking addition so everyone can customize the heat of their own enchiladas
top view of half eaten enchiladas verdes suzias with a spatula

How to serve Green Enchiladas

These Enchiladas Verdes are stand alone addicting, but as is the case with all Mexican food, whether itโ€™sย tacos,ย burritos,ย fajitas,ย tortilla soup, they are even better with toppings! ย ย Here are some of our favs:

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt:ย ย the bright tangy creaminess cuts through and compliments the earthy flavor profile.
  • Tomatoes:ย quartered cherry tomatoes or seeded, chopped Roma tomatoes or skip the plain tomatoes and useย pico de gallo.
  • Pico de gallo:ย ย is fresh tomato salsa that adds a vibrant, punchy freshness.ย  You can use my homemade pico de de gallo recipe or store bought.ย You can make theย pico de galloย ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.ย  Bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Cilantro:ย  if you skip theย pico de gallo, you can load on fresh cilantro and tomatoes instead for a fresh, zesty flair.
  • Avocado Crema:ย if youโ€™ve been following me for long, you know I top practically everything with avocado crema โ€“ AKA my addiction.ย  Avocado crema is a marriage of avocados, sour cream and lime juice. It is wonderfully silky, tangy and just takes minutes to make in your blender. ย The luscious, refreshing tanginess cuts through and compliments the robust, chili flavors of the enchiladas.
  • Guacamole:ย  use myย homemade guacamole recipeย (amazing!) I use in myย Street Tacos,ย your favorite recipe or even use store bought.
  • Avocados:ย chopped or sliced avocados are the easiest avocado option and add a wonderful creaminess. You might want to add a splash of lime juice if you use plain avocados.
  • Hot Sauce: pass around the hot sauce so individuals can customize the heat.
  • Jalapenos: you can also amp up the heat with chopped or sliced jalapenos or pickled jalapenos.

    Chicken Enchiladas FAQs

    What are enchiladas?

    Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish made by filling tortillas, typically corn or flour, with various ingredients such as seasoned meats, cheese, beans, or vegetables. These filled tortillas are then rolled up, placed in a baking dish, and covered with a savory sauce, often a red or green chili sauce. The dish is baked until the tortillas absorb the flavors of the sauce and the filling is heated through. Enchiladas are often garnished with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

    Can you freeze enchiladas?

    Yes, you can freeze enchiladas successfully, but enchiladas with corn tortillas freeze better because the tortillas donโ€™t become as soggy. To freeze, assemble the enchiladas as you normally would but do not bake them. Instead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place them in an airtight container. Label and date the package, then store it in the freezer. Frozen enchiladas can be kept for up to 2-3 months. When youโ€™re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding a bit of extra time, or thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Do you put sauce on the bottom of enchiladas?

    Yes, itโ€™s best to put sauce on the bottom of enchiladas. Putting sauce on the bottom helps prevent the tortillas from sticking to the baking dish, making them easier to remove and serving. Additionally, the sauce at the bottom of the baking dish provides moisture, ensuring that the enchiladas donโ€™t dry out during the baking process. Most importantly, it infuses the tortillas with flavor as they cook.

    Do you put on enchilada sauce before or after cooking?

    Enchilada sauce should be poured over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish before baking. This infuses the tortillas with flavor as they bake and prevents the tortillas from drying out during the cooking. This method results in softer, more saucy enchiladas than adding the sauce after cooking.

    • Chicken Enchiladas with the BEST homemade red enchilada sauce.ย  The sauce really elevates this recipe into restaurant quality splendor โ€“ youโ€™ll never go back to store bought again!ย ย 
    • Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas:ย  These are my most popular chicken enchiladas and one of my husbandโ€™s favorite recipes of all time.ย  ย They are a tantalizing combination of robust seasonings, tender chicken and sweet and tangy salsa verde sauce โ€“ and of course Pepper Jack cheese.ย 
    • Creamy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas:ย These are tied for my most favorite chicken enchilada recipe.ย  They are addictingly rich, creamy, cheesy, tangy, saucy, with flavor exploding homemade green chilie sour cream sauce.
    • Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Enchiladas:ย  These chicken enchiladas are irresistibly cheesy, stuffed with juicy chicken, both Monterrey Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese then doused in the most irresistible creamy jalapeno lime sour cream sauce โ€“ and of course topped with more cheese.ย 
    • Enchiladas Verdes: This chicken enchilada recipe is my only recipe (so far) that uses green enchilada sauce and corn tortillas.ย  They are cheesy, savory, tangy, smoky, flavorful and everything enchiladas should be.ย  I had to pull myself away from eating an unreasonable portion of these chicken enchiladas โ€“ but then I went back for more.
    • Barbacoa Beef Enchiladas:ย ย these beef enchiladas need an honorable mention because they are my only beef enchilada recipe โ€“ so far.ย  They are bursting with unbelievably tender, flavorful Beef Barbacoa, loaded with cheese then smothered in rich, tangy enchilada sauce.
        a serving of enchiladas verdes casserole on a white plate with a fork scooping up a bitee

        WANT TO TRY THIS RECIPE?

        PIN ITย to your recipe BOARD TO SAVE FOR LATER!

        FIND ME ON PINTERESTย FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!ย  I AM ALWAYS PINNING :)!

        ยฉCarlsbad Cravingsย by CarlsbadCravings.com

        top view of enchiladas verdes casserole topped with cheese, cilantro, tomatoes, avocados

        Green Enchiladas

        This Enchiladas Verdes recipe is irresistibly delicious, boldly seasoned, wonderfully cheesy and about to become a new family favorite! Enchiladas Verdes are made with corn tortillas stuffed with tender shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, sour cream, and cheese then topped with more enchilada sauce and cheese. Iโ€™ve kept this recipe super quick and easy by pumping up store bought enchilada sauce and using rotisserie chicken. Iโ€™ve also included a FOOLPROOF way to use corn tortillas without them falling apart. These green enchiladas are also make-ahead and freezer friendly โ€“ all instructions included!
        Servings: 6 -8 servings
        Total Time: 50 minutes
        Prep Time: 25 minutes
        Cook Time: 25 minutes

        Save This Recipe To Your Recipe Box

        You can now create an account on our site and save your favorite recipes all in one place!

        Ingredients

        • 1 28 oz. can mild green enchilada sauce divided
        • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
        • 12-14 quality corn tortillasย like La Tortilla Factory
        • canola or vegetable oil optional

        Filling

        • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce (from above can)
        • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
        • 1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies
        • 1 tablespoon chili powder
        • 1 tsp EACH ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder
        • 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, salt
        • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
        • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
        • 3 1/2 cups shredded chicken about 1 ยฝ pounds
        • 2 1/2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

        Instructions

        • In a large bowl, whisk together ยฝ cup enchilada sauce, 1 cup sour cream, diced green chilies and all filling seasonings. Stir in chicken until combined followed by 2 ยฝ cups cheese until evenly combined. Set aside.
        • Lightly spray a 9ร—13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and pour ยฝ cup enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom. Place some of the remaining enchilada sauce in a shallow dish or pie pan (to coat tortillas later).
        • Add enough canola or vegetable oil to a cast iron/medium skillet so it covers the bottom and heat over medium-high heat. Working with one tortilla at a time, add tortilla and lightly fry for about 10 seconds on each side, just until soft with a few bubbles but not brown or crisp. Line finished tortillas on a paper towel lined plate, with paper towels in between each row. Repeat with 12-14 tortillas. **(See microwave option in notes)
        • Working with one tortilla at a time, dip tortilla in enchilada sauce, place on a cutting board and fill with a generous amount of filling (about โ…“ cup). Roll up each tortilla and place seam side down in prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
        • Pour all remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas (from the can and pie dish). Sprinkle with 1 ยฝ cups cheese.
        • Bake enchiladas at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Broil until cheese is golden. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and other desired toppings.

        Notes

        How to Microwave Tortillas instead of Fry

        **Frying the tortillas prevents them from tearing. You can microwave the tortillas instead but it does not work as well as foolproof frying. To microwave corn tortillas, work in 2 batches. Place 6 tortillas on a microwave safe plate, cover with a moist paper towel and microwave 40 to 50 seconds so they are warm and pliable. Proceed to dip these tortillas in enchilada sauce and fill before microwaving the second batch. Keep the tortillas you arenโ€™t using covered with a dish cloth to stay warm.

        Make Aheadย 

        Prepare chicken enchiladas according to directions, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.ย  You can bake the enchiladas straight from the refrigerator and increase the baking time by approximately 10 minutes or until they are hot and bubbly and completely heated through.

        HOW TO FREEZE ENCHILADAS

        1. Assemble enchiladas up to the point of adding the cheese on top. You can add the cheese, but the cheese will have a better texture if you add it just when youโ€™re ready to bake. ย 
        2. Wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap a couple times then then cover with foil. Label and freeze for up to three months.ย 
        3. When ready to eat, let enchiladas thaw in the fridge overnight.
        4. Add cheese, cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or completely heated through.
        5. Alternatively, you can bake enchiladas from frozen at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes or until heated through.

        Did You Make This Recipe?

        Tag @CarlsbadCravings and Use #CarlsbadCravngs

        Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!

        Carlsbad Cravings Originalยฉ

        Reader Interactions

        leave a review

        Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

        34 Comments

        1. Naomi says

          Jen, these sound amazing, and I canโ€™t wait to try them! You come up with some great tips to make cooking successful. Corn tortillas can be a challenge sometimes and I love the tip to keep them from tearing. I see some enchiladas in my very near future. Thanks!

          • Jen says

            Thanks so much Naomi, Iโ€™m so excited for you to try them too, I think you will LOVE them! Canโ€™t wait to hear what you think!

        2. Cathy says

          You mention using mild canned chopped green chilis, but I donโ€™t see them in the actual recipe. Add a can to the filling mixture?

          • Jen says

            Great catch Cathy! No green chilies required. I initially included them in the recipe but removed them the second go around. Sorry about the confusion!

        3. Linda Manning says

          Hi Jen, I love your recipes and always โ€œflash fryโ€ my corn tortillas and set them on layered paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Just a comment on using flour tortillas, I find they are good for eating right away and I like to make them spicier, but they donโ€™t make very good leftovers as the flour tortilla gets soggy. Corn tortilla enchiladas are best for leftovers or freezing for another day (I always make a double batch)!

          • Jen says

            Great point Linda! Corn tortillas definitely make better leftovers โ€“ another win for Enchiladas Verdes!

        4. Rose Mary George says

          This looks stunning and delicious!

          • Jen says

            Thank you so much! I think youโ€™ll love it!

        5. Layne says

          Heidi helped me make these today and she actually ate dinner which is a huge victory these days! Love that I could make it this morning and pop it in the oven!

          • Jen says

            Yes! I bet thatโ€™s so nice to find something she will eat! I love imagining you two cuties in the kitchen together!

        6. Sue says

          These are great! I added zucchini and bell peppers. I used flour tortillas because that is what I had on hand. Thanks for posting how to make the shredded chicken. I am an inexperienced cook and all your detailed suggestions really helped me.

          • Jen says

            Thank you so much Sue! Iโ€™m so pleased you found all my details helpful and I love your addition of veggies too!

        7. Janelle C. says

          Made your recipe for the second time last night for dinner. I must say, I wonโ€™t skip the โ€œfryโ€ step for the tortillas ever again. I microwaved them the first time and, really, the fry method doesnโ€™t take very long and it gives a much better result. I use yellow corn tortillas (my fave) always for enchiladas. Iโ€™ve always preferred chicken enchiladas with a verde sauce and this recipe fits the bill perfectly! Itโ€™s my new โ€œgo-toโ€ for chicken enchiladas.

          • Jen says

            Iโ€™m thrilled these Enchiladas Verdes are your new go-to enchiladas recipe, thank you Janelle! And I agree, frying the tortillas makes a HUGE difference!

        8. Christina S. says

          I had been looking for an enchilada verdes recipe for a couple of weeks. I finally settled on this one. So, glad I did. I made this tonight for dinner. It was delicious. I used corn tortillas and flash fried them. My enchiladas rolled up perfectly with no cracks. In my opinion, you have to use corn tortillas for this dish and itโ€™s worth the small amount of time to prepare them. They add so much to the flavor. The only change I made was to add a can of green chiles to the chicken filling just to make it a little more โ€œverdeโ€. ๐Ÿ˜‰ The thing that set this recipe apart is the spices. Most of the other enchilada recipes I saw just looked a little bland with basically no spices added. Thanks for this recipe.

          • Jen says

            Youโ€™re so welcome Christina, thanks so much for the awesome review! Iโ€™m thrilled this enchiladas verde was a winner!

        9. Debbie says

          I want do layered, not rolled. Can I skip flash fried on tortillas?

        10. Kerri says

          Weโ€™ve tried a few of your recipes lately and love them! But what brand of corn tortillas do you recommend?? Every one weโ€™ve tried they fall apart immediately & I love corn tortillas so itโ€™s very disappointing!

          • Jen says

            Thank you so much Kerri, Iโ€™m so pleased youโ€™re enjoying my recipes! La Tortilla Factory Corn Tortillas are the best ever โ€“ they definitely wonโ€™t fall apart on you. They usually arenโ€™t carried at main grocery stores but I find mine at Sprouts.

        11. Ashley says

          This recipe looks delicious! Are these spicy? We have a toddler and Iโ€™m wondering if I need to cut back the seasoning for him to enjoy them. Thank you!

          • Jen says

            I would skip the chipotle powder and youโ€™re good to go, enjoy!

        12. Barbara says

          I loved the extra spices, I did add my roasted poblanos as I had them frozen from last summer and love them and homemade canned sauce verde. I also made it with left over prime rib but chicken would be my first pick. The key to this is the spices and frying the corn tortillas, yummy yummy chicken dinner!! I do not see where I put the rating but 10 stars for me.

          • Jen says

            Thanks so much for the 10 star review Barbara! Iโ€™m sure your roasted poblanos and homemade verde made them extra delish!

        13. Chris H says

          Iโ€™m using Hatch Green Enchilada Sauce. Has corn starch but is still pretty thin. Thinking of making a roux with chicken broth to thicken it up. Using pre-seasoned chicken from Primo in Oceanside left over from taco party. Yum! Like the idea of mixing the filling ingredients together. Will make controlling moisture content easier and save time not to be layering. Definitely adding diced Hatch chiles and sauteed diced onion.

        14. Allison says

          My boyfriend now wonโ€™t eat enchiladas anywhere else, and he asks me to cook these all the time. The effort I go through to show him I love him! *sigh*

          • Jen says

            LOL! Iโ€™m glad these are such a hit! Thank you so much, Allison, Iโ€™m sure he appreciates your effort! ๐Ÿ™‚

        15. Emme Van Volkenburg says

          I was just wondering if for this enchilada recipe. Could I use the crock pot Mexican chicken with this? Would I still need to add the spices being that they are already in the chicken?

          • Jen says

            Yes the crock pot Mexican chicken would be awesome! Skip the spices added to the chicken in the enchiladas. Enjoy!

        16. Stacy Peterson says

          This sounds wonderful, and not too difficult to execute! I plan to serve this at a get-together soon. What sides do you recommend?
          Is there a total of 4 cups cheese in this?
          Thanks in advance!

          • Jen says

            These are a flavor bomb, so I usually like to serve with white rice and a green salad! I included links to other side dishes that pair well near the end of the recipe page if you want to get fancy! Yes, 2 1/2 in the filling and 1 1/2 cups for the topping. I hope itโ€™s a hit!

        17. Sue Tallcott says

          They were amazing!

          • Jen says

            Yay! Iโ€™m so glad you loved them Sue!