Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos are the epitome of comfort food. Packed with tender, flavorful chicken and wrapped in a soft tortilla, this dish is then drenched in a rich, mildly spicy green chile sauce. These burritos are perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or making dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s explore how to make this delicious, smothered goodness.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preparing the Chicken Filling

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Set Aside: Once the chicken is heated through and well-seasoned, remove it from heat and set aside for assembling the burritos.

Making the Green Chile Sauce

1. Start the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
2. Add the Broth and Chiles: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the canned green chiles. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Cream for Richness: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream or heavy cream, allowing the sauce to become creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low for a few minutes to thicken slightly. If it becomes too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Burritos

1. Warm the Tortillas: To make folding easier, warm the tortillas in a microwave or oven for a few seconds.
2. Fill the Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat and add a generous amount of the seasoned chicken filling in the center. Top with a handful of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if desired.
3. Fold the Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll from the bottom to the top to secure the burrito.
4. Place in a Baking Dish: Arrange the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.

Smothering the Burritos

1. Pour the Green Chile Sauce: Generously ladle the green chile sauce over the burritos, ensuring they are fully smothered.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle more shredded cheese over the top of the burritos.
3. Bake: Bake the burritos in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Perfect Burritos

• Choosing the Right Tortillas: Use large, soft flour tortillas that are pliable enough to fold without tearing.
• How to Fold Burritos Properly: Start by folding the sides in, then roll the burrito tightly from bottom to top to keep all the filling inside.
• Getting the Perfect Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: These burritos pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
• Topping Ideas: Add sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors.

Storing and Reheating Burritos

• How to Store Leftovers: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Best Methods for Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the tortillas.

Nutritional Information

• Caloric Breakdown: A serving of green chile chicken smothered burritos provides approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size and toppings used.
• Macronutrients: These burritos are a good source of protein from the chicken and cheese, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates from the tortillas and sauce.

Variations and Add-Ons

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Beef or Pork Substitutes: You can easily replace the chicken with ground beef or shredded pork for a different flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the Burritos: Be careful not to overfill the burritos, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to fall apart during baking.
• Too Much or Too Little Sauce: Ensure the burritos are fully smothered in the green chile sauce, but don’t drown them in too much sauce, which can make them soggy.

Beverage Pairings

• Drinks that Go Well with Burritos: Serve with a cold Mexican beer, a margarita, or a refreshing iced tea to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought green chile sauce?
   • Yes, store-bought green chile sauce can save time, but homemade sauce has a fresher taste.
2. Can I freeze these burritos?
   • Yes, you can freeze the assembled burritos without the sauce. When ready to eat, thaw, smother with sauce, and bake.
3. What other proteins can I use?
   • Ground beef, shredded pork, or even shrimp can be used as a filling for a tasty variation.
4. Can I make this recipe spicy?
   • To increase the spice level, use spicy green chiles and add jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce or filling.
5. How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
   • Make sure the burritos are lightly packed and don’t overdo the sauce. Baking them in the oven also helps to firm up the tortillas.

Conclusion

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos offer a perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and versatility. With a creamy green chile sauce smothering tender chicken inside a soft tortilla, this dish is sure to impress anyone at the table. Whether you’re making these burritos for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, the combination of savory chicken and zesty sauce makes it a recipe worth mastering.

Yield: 4

Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos Recipe

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Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos are the epitome of comfort food. Packed with tender, flavorful chicken and wrapped in a soft tortilla, this dish is then drenched in a rich, mildly spicy green chile sauce. These burritos are perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Whether you're hosting a gathering or making dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let's explore how to make this delicious, smothered goodness.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Filling:
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1/2 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh roasted)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Green Chile Sauce:
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced green chiles (canned or fresh roasted)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For Assembly:
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, jack, or Mexican blend)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
   In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
   Add the shredded chicken, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through, about 3-4 minutes.
   Stir in the shredded cheese and remove from heat. Set the filling aside.
   
2. Make the Green Chile Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
   Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
   Stir in the green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
   
3. Assemble the Burritos:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
   Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable.
   Place a generous portion of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas by folding in the sides and rolling tightly.
   Place the burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
   
4. Smother the Burritos:
   Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the burritos.
   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
   
5. Bake the Burritos:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired.
   Serve hot and enjoy your smothered green chile chicken burritos!

Notes

You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by using mild, medium, or hot green chiles.

For a creamier sauce, you can stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking the sauce.

These burritos pair well with a side of Spanish rice or refried beans for a complete meal.