Contents
- 1 Why Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Are a Must-Try
- 2 What Are Hatch Green Chiles?
- 3 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 How to Make Hatch Green Chili Sauce from Scratch (Optional)
- 5 Step-by-Step Instructions for Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
- 6 Tips for the Best Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
- 7 Serving Suggestions
- 8 Storage and Reheating
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 10 Nutritional Benefits
- 11 Conclusion
Why Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Are a Must-Try
If you’re searching for that perfect blend of cheesy, spicy, and utterly comforting Mexican-inspired dinner, look no further than Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas. This dish embodies everything we love about home-cooked Mexican food — melty cheese, tender shredded chicken, and a smoky, flavorful Hatch green chili sauce that brings every bite to life.
At Easy Food to Make – Chef Natali, this recipe has become a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What Are Hatch Green Chiles?
Hatch chiles come from New Mexico’s Hatch Valley and are famous for their unique smoky flavor and mild to medium heat. Roasting them brings out deep, earthy notes that elevate any recipe — especially this enchilada dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 8-10 roasted Hatch green chiles | Peeled, seeded, chopped |
| 3 cups cooked shredded chicken | Rotisserie or homemade |
| 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar & Monterey Jack blend) | Divided |
| 10-12 corn or flour tortillas | Corn preferred for authenticity |
| 2 cups Hatch green chili sauce | See recipe below or store-bought |
| 1 cup sour cream | For creaminess |
| 1 medium onion, diced | Sautéed for flavor |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | Adds aroma and depth |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | For sautéing |
| 1 tsp ground cumin | Warm spice flavor |
| ½ tsp smoked paprika | Enhances smokiness |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro & sliced green onions | For garnish |
How to Make Hatch Green Chili Sauce from Scratch (Optional)
If you prefer homemade sauce over store-bought, here’s a simple Hatch green chili sauce recipe:
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Roast 6-8 Hatch green chiles until charred and softened. Peel and chop.
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Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cloves garlic in olive oil until translucent.
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Add the chopped chiles, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
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Add 1 cup vegetable broth and simmer 10 minutes.
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Blend the mixture until smooth. Use immediately or refrigerate.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend flavors.
Step 2: Warm Tortillas
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. This helps prevent cracking during rolling.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of Hatch green chili sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon ¼ cup of chicken mixture in the center, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining Hatch green chili sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
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Roast your own Hatch chiles: Freshly roasted chiles add incredible flavor and aroma.
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Don’t overfill tortillas: This keeps them from tearing and makes rolling easier.
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Use a blend of cheeses: Cheddar adds sharpness while Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
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Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving for easy entertaining.
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Customize spice level: Remove seeds from chiles for milder heat or add jalapeños for extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
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Refried beans or black beans.
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Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado.
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Crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Microwave or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use corn tortillas labeled gluten-free and check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q2: Can I substitute chicken with a vegetarian protein?
Absolutely. Use seasoned shredded jackfruit, tofu, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Q3: How spicy are Hatch green chiles?
Hatch chiles have mild to medium heat. Removing seeds lowers spiciness.
Q4: Can I prepare enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q5: What cheese works best?
A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melts well and offers balanced flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
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High protein: Chicken and cheese provide satiating protein.
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Rich in vitamins: Hatch chiles offer vitamin C and antioxidants.
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Balanced comfort food: Contains healthy fats from olive oil and moderate carbs.
Conclusion
These Hatch Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas are everything you want in a cozy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner. From the smoky depth of roasted Hatch chiles to the creamy, cheesy filling baked to golden perfection, it’s no surprise this recipe is a Pinterest and family favorite. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
