Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo

This Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo recipe combines a few smart shortcuts to save time while still delivering the rich, deep flavors of traditional enchiladas.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 1 10

Cooling Time 15

Total Time 1 50

Equipment

Ingredients

Enchiladas

▢ 1 (2½-pound) rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded, meat shredded into bite-size pieces (3 cups)
▢ 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese , shredded (3 cups), divided
▢ 8 ounces queso fresco , crumbled (3 cups), divided
▢ 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
▢ 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro , chopped
▢ any neutral flavored cooking oil ( I used avocado oil) , for brushing the corn tortillas
▢ Sour cream , for serving
▢ Lime wedges , for serving
▢ Avocado , for serving

Instructions

For the Tomatillo Sauce

Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Arrange the tomatillos, poblanos, onion, jalapeño, and garlic on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with oil and toss gently to coat. Place the poblanos and jalapeño skin-side up.
Broil for about 15 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the tomatillos, poblanos, and jalapeño are blistered and blackened and the onion edges are deeply browned. Don’t worry if the vegetables appear to be burning—this adds flavor! Let the vegetables cool on the sheet for 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. When the vegetables have cooled down enough to handle, remove the stem from the poblano, cut it in half, and remove the seeds. Slip the skins off the garlic and pull off the stem off the jalapeños.
Transfer the broiled vegetables and any accumulated juices to a blender. Add water, cilantro, sugar, and salt, then blend until coarse purée forms (about 30 seconds), scraping down the sides as needed.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Pour in the tomatillo mixture and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until slightly thickened. Whisk in lemon juice, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.

For the Enchiladas

Spread ¾ cup of the prepared sauce in the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix the cheeses, reserving 1½ cups for topping. Combine the shredded chicken, 1½ cups of cheese, 1 cup of sauce, and ¼ cup of chopped cilantro in a separate bowl.
Lightly spray or brush both sides of the tortillas with oil. Stack tortillas, then wrap them in a damp dish towel. Place tortillas on a plate and microwave until warm and pliable, about 1 to 1½ minutes.
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon ¼ cup of the chicken filling into the center of each tortilla and roll tightly. Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the enchiladas, spreading it with the back of a spoon to ensure even coverage. Sprinkle the reserved 1½ cups of cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted.

To Serve

Uncover the dish and let the enchiladas cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream, lime wedges, avocado slices, and diced onion on the side.

Notes

Storage: Store cooked enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make Ahead: Assemble the Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo up to 1 day in advance. Cover them with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing: Assemble the enchiladas verdes de pollo without baking. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake, covered with foil, in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.