If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings a little Southwestern sunshine to your table, then you’re going to adore this Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe. These burritos are a delicious combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy sour cream, and the vibrant kick of green chiles, all wrapped snugly in warm tortillas and smothered with rich green enchilada sauce and melted cheese. The result is a dish bursting with layers of flavor and just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight favorites or a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, approachable, and absolutely essential to creating that authentic and deeply satisfying taste we love in a Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe. Each element plays a part, whether it’s bringing creaminess, zest, or that irresistible melty texture we crave.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that carries all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles: Adds a mild heat and classic Southwestern flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a creamy tang that balances the spices beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar): Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce: The saucy goodness that smothers the burritos and adds depth.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps that hold all the delicious fillings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps warm the tortillas to make rolling easier and adds a little richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle garlicky background note.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of fresh color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect moderate heat to melt cheese to bubbly perfection and warm everything through without drying out the burritos.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced green chiles, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, slightly spicy filling is the heart of your burritos and marries all those delicious southwestern flavors into every bite.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Gently warm each tortilla in a skillet with a touch of olive oil. This step not only makes rolling easier but also gives the tortillas a lovely softness and slight chew, which is essential for the perfect burrito texture.
Step 4: Roll Up the Burritos
Spoon the chicken mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Roll them up tightly to keep all the scrumptious filling inside, then place each burrito seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish. This secures the burritos so they don’t unravel while baking.
Step 5: Smother with Sauce
Pour the green enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled burritos. This saucy layer is what makes the dish wonderfully moist and full of flavor. Don’t hold back here—it’s what ties everything together!
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top. When melted, these golden strands create that irresistible gooey blanket everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The baking also heats the filling through, fusing all those flavors together perfectly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add some fresh cilantro on top if you like. It adds a pop of green and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, cheesy burritos. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or even some sliced avocado can elevate these burritos to new heights. The freshness and creaminess of these garnishes add contrast and balance to the rich, smothered flavors.
Side Dishes
These burritos pair beautifully with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp and colorful salad. The side dishes help round out the meal, adding texture and complementing the bold flavors of the burritos.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these burritos sliced in half with a drizzle of extra enchilada sauce or queso on top for a fun and shareable meal. You can also turn this recipe into a burrito bowl by skipping the tortilla and layering the filling over rice with toppings. No matter how you present it, this Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them covered well so they don’t dry out and maintain that lovely saucy softness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect freezer meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat burritos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps maintain that freshly baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds great flavor and tenderness. Just shred it up and you’re ready to go.
What if I can’t find green enchilada sauce?
If green enchilada sauce isn’t available, you can make a quick substitute by blending roasted green chiles with chicken broth, garlic, and a bit of lime juice, or simply use a mild salsa verde for a slightly different but delicious twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with cooked and seasoned beans, sautéed veggies, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still complements the green chile sauce beautifully.
Is there a way to make these burritos less spicy?
You can reduce the heat by using mild green chiles or cutting back on the amount of diced chiles you include. Also, adding a bit more sour cream to the filling can help mellow out any extra spice.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Warming the tortillas before rolling helps them stay flexible and less prone to tearing. Also, make sure not to overfill the burritos to avoid excess moisture, and bake them seam-side down to help keep their shape and texture intact.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe. It’s packed with flavor, wonderfully comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, inviting friends over, or just craving something satisfying and hearty, these burritos have got you covered. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it becoming one of your all-time favorites—after all, food tastes best when shared with friends and family!
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: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a flavorful and comforting Tex-Mex dish featuring tender shredded chicken combined with tangy green chiles and creamy sour cream, wrapped in soft flour tortillas, covered with zesty green enchilada sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection with melted cheese on top. This recipe yields a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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
Burritos and Sauce
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for warming tortillas)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the burritos.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced green chiles, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
- Warm tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each flour tortilla briefly to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Assemble burritos: Spoon the chicken filling evenly onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish to prevent unrolling during baking.
- Add sauce: Pour the green enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled burritos, coating them well.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese evenly over the enchilada sauce-covered burritos.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve the burritos warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, use spicy diced green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
