Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos are a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful green chile sauce, and melted cheese all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting and satisfying meal. The smothered burrito, with its layers of flavors and textures, is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Preparing the Chicken Filling

Cooking and Shredding the Chicken:

1. If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then shred using two forks.

Adding Spices and Flavors:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.

Making the Green Chile Sauce

Ingredients and Preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped green chiles and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Perfect Sauce Consistency:

• Ensure the sauce is smooth by whisking constantly and adjusting the thickness with additional broth if needed.

Warming the Tortillas

Different Methods:

1. Stovetop: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable.
2. Microwave: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for about 30 seconds.
3. Oven: Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Tortillas:

• Keep tortillas warm and pliable by storing them in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel until ready to use.

Assembling the Burritos

Layering Techniques:

1. Place a generous amount of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla.
2. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheese.

Adding the Filling:

1. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll up tightly to form a burrito.
2. Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Smothering the Burritos

Pouring the Sauce:

1. Pour the prepared green chile sauce evenly over the top of the burritos.

Adding Cheese:

1. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce-covered burritos.

Baking the Burritos

Temperature and Timing:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the burritos for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Checking for Doneness:

• Ensure the burritos are heated through and the cheese is fully melted.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Side Dishes:

• Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.

Best Beverages:

• Pair with a cold cerveza, a margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca.

Storage Instructions

Keeping Burritos Fresh:

• Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual burritos on high for about 2 minutes.

Variations of the Recipe

Different Protein Options:

• Substitute the chicken with cooked and shredded beef, pork, or turkey.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives:

• Use a mixture of seasoned black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.

Health Considerations

Nutritional Information:

• Each burrito contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions:

• Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a lactose-free option.
• Opt for whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing Burritos:

• Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent them from breaking or becoming too messy to eat.

Incorrect Baking Temperature:

• Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature to achieve evenly baked burritos.

Conclusion

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos are a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, flavorful green chile sauce, and melted cheese, these burritos are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is a surefire hit. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy making these mouth-watering burritos!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, pour the sauce over them and bake as directed.
2. How do I store leftover burritos? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
3. What type of green chiles should I use? You can use fresh roasted green chiles or canned green chiles, depending on availability and preference.
4. Can I use store-bought green chile sauce? Yes, store-bought green chile sauce can be used for convenience.
5. How do I ensure my burritos don’t get soggy? Ensure the chicken filling is not too wet and bake the burritos uncovered to prevent sogginess.

Yield: 6

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe

Print

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos are a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful green chile sauce, and melted cheese all wrapped in a soft tortilla. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting and satisfying meal. The smothered burrito, with its layers of flavors and textures, is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• FOR THE GREEN BURRITO SAUCE
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 14 ounce can green enchilada sauce, (use Hatch brand if you can find it)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• FOR THE BURRITO FILLING
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 4 ounce can mild diced green chiles, drained
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• FOR THE REST
• 6 burrito size (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese, (I used a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
• OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
• cilantro avocado, sour cream, hot sauce or salsa

Instructions

FOR THE GREEN BURRITO SAUCE

• Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over LOW heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for a minute or two until mixture is just beginning to get lightly golden brown. Whisk in the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to MEDIUM-HIGH and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat enough to keep mixture at a low simmer and whisk lightly until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

FOR THE BURRITO FILLING

• Combine chicken, sour cream, drained diced green chiles, and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the stack of 6 tortillas between two paper towels and heat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to soften slightly.
• To assemble burritos, divide the filling between tortillas, fold edges inward over the top of filling and roll up. Place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the top and cover the dish with foil.
• Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle burritos with shredded cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
• Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve with additional toppings of your choice.