Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal that brings bold Southwestern flavors right to your kitchen, look no further than this Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, zesty salsa, and a luscious green chile sauce that is creamy and ever so satisfying. Every bite offers a perfect combination of melty cheese, mild heat, and savory goodness wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these burritos will undoubtedly become one of your all-time favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and delightful textures. Each component plays a big role, from the tender chicken to the rich sauce that smothers the burritos, delivering that iconic green chile kick.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded: A hearty base providing texture and protein.
- 1 1/2 cups salsa: Choose your favorite style for a fresh, tangy punch.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds warmth and depth with its earthy aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the spice.
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melted throughout for gooey, savory richness.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Provides a crisp, fresh bite to balance the flavors.
- 6 large flour tortillas: The perfect vessel, soft yet sturdy, for wrapping all the goodness.
- Olive oil: For brushing the burritos to achieve a beautiful golden crisp finish.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for building the creamy roux in the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious consistency.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor and a slight bite.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory base that ties the sauce together.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Enhances the sauce’s Southwestern essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed: Adds herbal brightness to the sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for perfect seasoning balance.
- 4 ounces diced green chilies, mild: The signature ingredient delivering that gentle green chile flavor.
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the sauce for extra creaminess.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Finishes the sauce with smooth tang and richness.
How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper — this little step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your tortillas from sticking as they bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked chicken with your preferred salsa, ground cumin, crushed oregano, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions. This mixture is where the flavor magic happens, with each ingredient melding together beautifully to create a well-seasoned, cheesy filling that’s bursting with freshness and spice.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Generously spoon the chicken mixture down the center of each flour tortilla. Carefully fold the sides inward and then roll the tortillas tightly, creating perfect burrito parcels. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little olive oil, which helps them develop a delicious crispness once baked.
Step 4: Bake the Burritos
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the tortillas to turn a lovely golden brown and become pleasantly crispy on the outside, creating a wonderful contrast to the warm, melty filling inside.
Step 5: Whip Up the Green Chile Sauce
While the burritos bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often to form a smooth roux—this forms the base of your luscious sauce. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce thicken before removing it from the heat to mix in the diced green chilies, shredded cheddar, and sour cream until velvety smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Broil with Sauce and Cheese
Switch your oven to broil. Ladle the creamy green chile sauce generously over each burrito and sprinkle more shredded cheese on top. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts beautifully. Be sure to watch it closely so your dinner doesn’t get spotted with burnt patches.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the burritos from the oven and get ready to dig in. The combination of crispy tortilla, cheesy filling, and creamy green chile sauce makes every bite irresistible. Serve hot for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, some diced tomatoes, or a few slices of avocado lift this dish with bright, fresh notes. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice adds an extra layer of creaminess or acidity that beautifully balances the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
These burritos pair perfectly with classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crunchy side salad to add a textural contrast. For an even heartier meal, roasted corn or a simple slaw with lime vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the burritos in half and stack them on a platter to show off the colorful filling under the luscious sauce. You can also serve them in cast iron skillets, which keeps them warm longer and adds a rustic touch to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these burritos before baking by wrapping each one individually with plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as instructed.
Reheating
To reheat, place burritos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. If you have leftover green chile sauce, reheat it gently on the stove and pour over the burritos freshly before serving for that just-made flair.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor, making your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe even easier to prepare without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is the green chile sauce?
The sauce uses mild diced green chilies, so it’s gently spicy with a subtle kick rather than overwhelming heat. You can always adjust by choosing milder or hotter chilies depending on your preference.
Can I substitute cheddar cheese with another type?
Definitely! Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend work beautifully, offering good melting qualities and complementary flavors to the green chile sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the burritos before baking to enjoy later. Just be sure to wrap them well for the best texture and flavor preservation.
What can I serve instead of flour tortillas?
While large flour tortillas are recommended for ease of rolling and baking, you could also try whole wheat tortillas or even oversized corn tortillas for a slightly different taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is a surefire way to bring a burst of Southwestern charm to your dinner table. It’s approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to become a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the comfort and joy that comes with every smothered bite!
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Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring tender chicken mixed with salsa, cheese, and spices, wrapped in warm flour tortillas, baked to a crispy golden finish, and topped with a creamy green chile sauce loaded with cheese and mild green chilies. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a satisfying dinner with a rich blend of smoky and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
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, 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 ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces diced mild green chilies
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, your favorite salsa, ground cumin, crushed oregano, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fill tortillas: Place a generous portion of the chicken mixture in the center of each flour tortilla. Fold the sides over the filling and roll the tortillas tightly to form burritos. Arrange the burritos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a crispy, golden finish.
- Bake the burritos: Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are nicely browned and crispy on the outside.
- Make sauce: While the burritos bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook it for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the diced green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Broil: After baking, switch your oven to the broil setting. Ladle the green chile sauce evenly over each burrito and sprinkle additional cheese on top. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the burritos from the oven and serve immediately. They pair wonderfully with Mexican rice or your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Use mild or medium green chilies depending on your preferred heat level.
- Chicken can be shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken breast.
- For a crispier burrito, brush lightly with olive oil before baking.
- Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese on top.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
