Enchiladas Verdes

A classic Mexican dish, enchiladas verdes are made with tender tortillas filled with savory chicken, cheese, or beans, and smothered in a tangy green tomatillo sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of freshness from the green sauce and warmth from the comforting fillings, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Enchiladas verdes offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures—soft tortillas, flavorful fillings, and a vibrant, slightly tangy sauce. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to use various proteins or vegetarian fillings, and can easily be adjusted to suit different spice preferences. It is also a make-ahead friendly dish, perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Corn tortillas

• Cooked, shredded chicken (or other filling of choice such as beans or cheese)

• Fresh tomatillos

• Fresh cilantro

• Jalapeños or serrano peppers

• White onion

• Garlic cloves

• Chicken broth

• Vegetable oil

• Salt

• Queso fresco or shredded cheese

• Sour cream (optional for serving)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Remove husks from tomatillos and rinse them.

3. In a pot, boil tomatillos, jalapeños, onion, and garlic until softened.

4. Transfer boiled vegetables to a blender, add cilantro, chicken broth, and salt, then blend until smooth.

5. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet, lightly fry each tortilla for a few seconds per side to make them pliable.

6. Dip each tortilla into the green sauce, fill with shredded chicken, roll tightly, and place seam side down in a baking dish.

7. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

9. Serve hot with sour cream and extra cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use sautéed vegetables, beans, or a cheese blend instead of chicken.

• Spicy: Add extra jalapeños or serrano peppers to the sauce.

• Creamy: Blend avocado or sour cream into the sauce for a richer texture.

• Seafood: Substitute shredded chicken with cooked shrimp or fish for a coastal twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or heat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What are enchiladas verdes made of?

They are made of corn tortillas filled with meat, beans, or cheese, covered in a green tomatillo-based sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Are enchiladas verdes spicy?

They can be mild or spicy depending on the amount and type of chili peppers used.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best texture and flavor.

What protein works best for enchiladas verdes?

Shredded chicken is most common, but pork, beef, shrimp, or beans work well too.

How do I prevent tortillas from breaking?

Lightly frying them before assembling helps make them pliable and prevents tearing.

Can I freeze enchiladas verdes?

Yes, assemble them without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Can I make enchiladas verdes gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure your tortillas and any packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What toppings go well with enchiladas verdes?

Sour cream, queso fresco, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and avocado slices are popular options.

Can I use canned tomatillos?

Yes, if fresh tomatillos are unavailable, canned tomatillos can be substituted.

Conclusion

Enchiladas verdes are a flavorful and versatile Mexican dish that brings together fresh, tangy, and comforting elements in one satisfying meal. Whether prepared for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, their adaptability and rich taste make them a beloved recipe in many households. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create an authentic dish that is sure to impress

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