I just made these Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos recipe, and wow, they are every bit as satisfying as I’d hoped. The combination of tender chicken, zesty green chile sauce, and melty cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla hits all the right notes.
If you’re intimidated by the idea of a smothered burrito, don’t be! This recipe is surprisingly simple to pull off, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to favorites.
Craving more delicious chicken recipes? Check out this easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos recipe for another flavorful meal idea!
Ingredients You’ll Need For Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these delicious Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos to life. These ingredients come together to create a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal:
For the Green Chile Sauce
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps whisk the flour and adds richness to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons) – Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (1 cup) – Provides a flavorful base; low-sodium is best for better seasoning control.
- Green enchilada sauce (14 ounces) – Adds vibrant, tangy green chile flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon) – A warm spice that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – For balancing flavors.
For the Burrito Filling
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (3 cups) – A huge time-saver; choose fresh for the juiciest texture.
- Mild diced green chiles (4 ounces) – Adds a gentle kick and some extra flavor.
- Sour cream (½ cup) – Adds a creamy, tangy touch to the filling.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup) – Melts beautifully for a gooey filling.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – To boost the flavor of the filling.
For the Assembly
- Large flour tortillas (6) – Burrito-sized tortillas hold everything together perfectly.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups) – A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack works great for topping.
- Green onions (¼ cup, thinly sliced) – Adds a fresh, oniony twist at the end.
Optional Toppings
- Cilantro
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce or salsa
Note: The recipe serves 6 hearty portions.
Variations to Try
Want to tailor these burritos to your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some tweaks:
- Low-carb option: Swap regular tortillas for low-carb tortillas.
- Dairy-free: Replace the sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Spicier version: Use hot diced green chiles and sprinkle in some chili flakes.
- Tomato twist: Substitute green enchilada sauce with red enchilada sauce for a richer flavor.
Cooking Time
This is a quick recipe that won’t keep you stuck in the kitchen for hours:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Essential Equipment You Need
Here’s the equipment you’ll need to make your Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos:
- Medium saucepan – For making the green chile sauce.
- Mixing bowl – To combine all the filling ingredients.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Holds the burritos perfectly while they bake.
- Whisk – To keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
- Foil – Covers the burritos to lock in moisture as they bake.
How to Make Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos
If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and full of Southwest flair, these Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos are a must-try. With a creamy, cheesy filling and a rich green chile sauce, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Prepare the Green Burrito Sauce
Start by heating vegetable oil in a saucepan over low heat. Once warm, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste and cook for about a minute until it reaches a faint golden color. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, green enchilada sauce, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer until slightly thickened. When the sauce is perfect, remove it from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced green chiles, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. Trust me, this filling is so good you might want to snack on it while rolling the burritos!
Step 3: Warm Up Your Tortillas
To make the tortillas easier to work with, heat them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, stacked between two paper towels. This little step will help prevent cracking when you roll them.
Step 4: Roll the Burritos
Spread the filling evenly across the center of each tortilla. Fold the edges inward, roll tightly, and place the burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Don’t overfill them; this step is easier if you keep the filling centered.
Step 5: Smother and Bake
Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the burritos, ensuring every inch is coated. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Serve your burritos hot, with optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, or extra sour cream.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve learned a few things while making these burritos:
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the burritos just before serving for a pop of flavor.
- For perfectly warm burritos, make sure your filling isn’t cold when assembling. Microwave it for a minute if needed.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking dishes. These burritos are a hit at gatherings!
How to Serve Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos
Presentation is key when serving this dish. Plate each burrito drizzled with extra sauce, and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Pair them with sides like restaurant-style Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad. Add lime wedges and tortilla chips for bonus flair!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition:
- Calories: 647
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 39g
How do we store food?
- Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Place them in the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. For the best texture and flavor, thaw the burritos in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave them for 2–3 minutes, checking to ensure they’re evenly warmed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is bound to win you over. Here’s why:
- Perfect weeknight dinner: Quick and easy to put together after a busy day.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or ingredients to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Leftover-friendly: Ideal for meal prep; reheats beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just thaw it first and shred it finely.
Can I substitute the green enchilada sauce?
Sure! Red enchilada sauce works well if you prefer a deeper, smoky flavor.
What size tortillas should I use?
Go for 10-inch burrito-sized tortillas for the perfect portions.
Is this dish spicy?
Not really. The mild green chiles give it a hint of heat, but you can amp it up with hotter chiles or hot sauce.