There is nothing more comforting and soul-satisfying than digging into a plate of warm, cheesy, and flavorful burritos, and that’s exactly what the Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe delivers in spades. This dish takes tender shredded chicken and wraps it in soft flour tortillas, drenched lovingly in green chile enchilada sauce and topped with bubbly, melted cheese. Every bite bursts with creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy goodness, making it a weeknight favorite that feels like a festive celebration on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or hungry friends, these burritos bring a vibrant splash of flavor with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, well-balanced ingredients—each one playing its part to create a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy notes with a hint of freshness. You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, and together they build the perfect texture and flavor for these smothered burritos.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Using shredded chicken makes the filling easy to roll and evenly distributed.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles: Adds a mild heat and vibrant green color that’s signature to the dish.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings creaminess and tang that softens the spice of the chiles.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar): Melts beautifully to create a luscious golden topping.
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce: The rich sauce smothers the burritos, packing in layers of flavor.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping all that goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring no sticking and a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory background notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): A fresh herbal touch that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature to melt the cheese and warmly bake the burritos without drying them out.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced green chiles, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is creamy, tangy, and bursting with subtle heat from the chiles. Mixing everything together well ensures that each bite will deliver consistent flavor.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Gently warming the tortillas in a skillet makes them more flexible and easier to roll without tearing. This step prevents the fillings from spilling out later and helps when folding your burritos tightly.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Burritos
Spoon the chicken filling evenly onto each warmed tortilla. Roll them up tightly, tucking the ends in to seal the filling inside. Place each burrito seam-side down in a baking dish that you’ve greased with olive oil; this keeps them from sticking and helps create a slight crisp edge once baked.
Step 5: Smother in Sauce and Cheese
Pour the green enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled burritos, making sure each one is nicely covered. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. This step is what earns the dish its name “smothered” — all that luscious sauce and gooey cheese baking together to perfection.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the burritos are ready when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through, wrapping the burritos in a spicy, creamy blanket.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a bright contrast to the rich and cheesy flavors. Serve these warm and enjoy the explosion of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic option, adding a burst of herbal flavor to complement the richness. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime to add tang and balance the mild heat from the green chiles.
Side Dishes
These burritos pair wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy textures. For an extra touch, some pickled jalapeños or homemade guacamole enhance the overall meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the burritos open-faced, topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly to get a golden crust. Alternatively, slice them into pinwheels for a party-friendly appetizer or make smaller burritos for a handheld snack version that’s perfect for game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days, and flavors often deepen after resting, making for even tastier leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save the Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe for later, freeze tightly wrapped burritos individually in plastic wrap and then foil. This protects them from freezer burn and allows you to thaw and bake only what you need.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This method keeps the burritos moist and melty without drying out the tortillas or filling.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves prep time while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful for the burrito filling.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap out the chicken for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans for a delicious vegetarian-friendly version.
What cheese is best for melting on top?
Monterey Jack and Cheddar are both excellent because they melt smoothly and complement the green chile sauce wonderfully. You can also blend them for extra flavor.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble and bake the burritos just before serving for the freshest flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the green chiles, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust by using mild or hot green chiles depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is a true celebration of flavor and comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles, warms hearts, and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or feeding a crowd with something special, these burritos deliver unforgettable taste and satisfying textures. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of homemade Mexican-inspired goodness in your own home!
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Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy green chiles and creamy sour cream, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked under a blanket of zesty green enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal or casual dinner, this recipe combines savory spices and fresh flavors for an easy-to-make Mexican-inspired favorite.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 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
Toppings and Assembly
- 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish or warming tortillas)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled burritos.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced green chiles, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas lightly in a skillet to make them more flexible and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the burritos: Spoon an even amount of the chicken filling onto each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish to prevent them from opening during baking.
- Add enchilada sauce: Pour the green enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are fully smothered to absorb flavor and moisture while baking.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese generously over the sauced burritos for a cheesy topping.
- Bake the burritos: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the burritos warm for the best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a spicier green chile variety.
- Use gluten-free tortillas if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- The enchilada sauce can be homemade or store-bought based on your preference.
- Leftover burritos can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
