If you have a craving for something comforting, packed with flavor, and utterly irresistible, the Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, shredded chicken mingling with creamy sour cream and a kick of green chiles, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, then smothered with rich green enchilada sauce and bubbling melted cheese. This dish brings together vibrant flavors and cozy textures in a way that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to meals that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish lies in simple, familiar ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the mild heat of diced green chiles to the rich creaminess of sour cream and gooey melted cheese, every item contributes to the overall deliciousness and balance of the final burrito.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): The hearty base that makes this burrito filling both satisfying and protein-packed.
- Diced green chiles (1 can, 4 oz): Adding a subtle, smoky heat that defines the dish’s signature flavor.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings creaminess and a slight tang that keeps the filling luscious and moist.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, Monterey Jack or Cheddar): Melts perfectly to provide that irresistible gooey topping.
- Green enchilada sauce (1 can, 10 oz): The smothering sauce that infuses every bite with rich, zesty goodness.
- Large flour tortillas (4): Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping up all the delicious filling snugly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to lightly grease the baking dish, ensuring the burritos don’t stick and get a slight crisp on the edges.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and savory warmth to the filling.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with mellow, aromatic notes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds a bright herbal finish that’s visually appealing and refreshing.
How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring it’s ready to bake your burritos to perfection. Then, in a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the diced green chiles, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination creates the flavorful filling that’s creamy and perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Gently warm the flour tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for a minute or two on each side. This softens them, making them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking, which is key to keeping all that tasty filling neatly wrapped up.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Spoon an even amount of the chicken filling into the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly but gently to keep the filling from spilling out. Lay them seam-side down in a baking dish lightly coated with olive oil; this keeps the burritos intact during baking and gives a slight crisp along the edges.
Step 4: Smother and Cheese
Pour the green enchilada sauce generously and evenly over the burritos, making sure every bite will be luscious and juicy. Then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a bubbly layer that brings all the flavors together in a beautiful, gooey blanket.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the sauce is hot and flavorful. The baking melds all the layers into one harmonious, comforting dish that’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a fantastic garnish for these burritos, offering a pop of green color and a burst of fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, creamy filling. Squeeze a little lime on top if you love a citrusy kick!
Side Dishes
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice or refried beans. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the burritos and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the burritos into thick rounds after baking and arrange them on a platter with extra enchilada sauce for dipping. You could also serve them in individual ramekins with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped avocado for a fancier presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burritos should be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunch or dinner options.
Freezing
You can freeze the burritos before baking by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked burritos in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker option, though the tortillas won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and is an easy shortcut. Just shred it well before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and beans for a delicious vegetarian version that still tastes rich and satisfying.
What type of cheese works best?
Monterey Jack and Cheddar melt beautifully and offer a nice balance of mild and sharp flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese for a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add diced jalapeños to the filling, use a spicier green chile, or top with hot sauce to bring extra heat to the dish.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent sogginess, and lightly greasing the baking dish promotes slight crisping on the outer edges during baking.
Final Thoughts
The Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is a celebration of flavor, comfort, and ease all rolled into one. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and never fails to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas. I can’t wait for you to make it and add this recipe to your favorites — whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or sharing with friends and family, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that brings people together.
Print
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty meal. Tender shredded chicken is blended with zesty green chiles, creamy sour cream, and seasonings, then wrapped in warm flour tortillas. The burritos are smothered with green enchilada sauce, topped with melted Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish offers a delicious balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the burritos.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, diced green chiles, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the flour tortillas for a few seconds on each side. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Assemble Burritos: Spoon an even amount of the chicken filling onto each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish to prevent them from unrolling.
- Add Sauce: Pour the green enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled burritos, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese over the top of the sauced burritos for a melted, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro if using, and serve the burritos warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To reduce fat, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure to warm tortillas properly to avoid cracking when rolling.
