Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex dish featuring tender chicken, spicy green chiles, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and smothered in a flavorful sauce. In this article, we’ll show you how to make these irresistible burritos that are sure to become a family favorite.
1. Introduction to Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a beloved dish in Southwestern cuisine, known for their bold flavors and hearty ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful green chiles, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla and smothered in a savory sauce, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken breasts
Green chiles (canned or fresh)
Tortillas (flour or corn)
Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Sauce Ingredients (green chile sauce, chicken broth, sour cream)
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cooking the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked through, then shred them into bite-sized pieces. If using canned green chiles, drain them well and chop them into smaller pieces. Heat the tortillas until warm and pliable, either in the microwave or on a hot skillet, to make them easier to roll.
4. Making the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine green chile sauce, chicken broth, and sour cream, stirring until smooth and well combined. Heat the sauce over medium heat until warmed through, then season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs to taste. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less green chile sauce or chopped green chiles.
5. Assembling the Burritos
To assemble the burritos, place a spoonful of shredded chicken and chopped green chiles in the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly into a burrito shape. Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in a baking dish, leaving space between each one.
6. Smothering the Burritos
Pour the prepared sauce over the top of the rolled burritos, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the sauce-covered burritos, covering them completely with a generous layer of cheese. The sauce and cheese will create a deliciously gooey topping that adds flavor and richness to the burritos.
7. Baking Instructions
Bake the smothered burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. If desired, broil the burritos for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese on top and add extra crispiness to the tortillas.
8. Serving Suggestions
Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Pair them with your favorite side dishes, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
9. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add extra fillings to the burritos, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or black beans, for added flavor and texture. Adjust the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot green chiles, or add chopped jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
10. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results, as they cook quickly and evenly.
- Make sure to warm the tortillas before filling and rolling them to prevent them from tearing or breaking.
- Don’t overfill the burritos, as this can make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
11. Health Benefits of Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
While Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are indulgent and flavorful, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, while green chiles are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. Plus, using whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese can make this dish a healthier option.
12. Conclusion
In conclusion, Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting appeal, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, lunch, or a casual gathering, these smothered burritos are sure to please everyone at the table.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos ahead of time and refrigerate them?
- Can I freeze Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos for later?
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos?
- Can I use store-bought green chile sauce instead of making my own?
- Can I make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos vegetarian by omitting the chicken?
Source: tastesbetterfromscratch.com
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex dish featuring tender chicken, spicy green chiles, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and smothered in a flavorful sauce. In this article, we'll show you how to make these irresistible burritos that are sure to become a family favorite.
- Chicken filling:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- 1 1/2 cups salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves (crushed)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 6 large flour tortillas *
- olive oil (for brushing on burritos)
- Green Chile Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves (crushed)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 ounces diced green chilies (mild)
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Make the filling: Mix chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions. Place a heaping ½ cup or so of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll up tightly like a burrito. Place seam-side down on baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil or spray with non stick cooking spray.
- Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the sauce: Meanwhile, prepare sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Add cumin, oregano, and a dash of salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in green chilies, cheese and sour cream. Tastes and add more seasonings if needed.
- Broil: Remove burritos from oven and turn the oven to HIGH broil. Ladle a spoonful of sauce over each burrito and top with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese has melted.
- Serve with Authentic Mexican Rice!
Tortillas: I prefer to use uncooked flour tortillas, but regular flour tortillas work as well.
Make ahead Instructions: The chicken filling and green chile sauce can both be made a day or two in advanced, making dinner prep super easy! Store them separately, covered in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions: Make the burrito filling as instructed and roll up in tortillas (either uncooked or regular tortillas). Place in a freezer ziplock bag. Make the sauce but do not add the sour cream. Freeze sauce in a separate container. To bake from frozen place frozen burritos on a lined baking sheet, cover with tinfoil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Add frozen sauce to a saucepan and warm. Stir in sour cream. Serve over cooked burritos.