“`html
If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings a comforting hug in every bite, then this Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, then smothered in a luscious green chile cheese sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines bold southwestern flavors with the perfect balance of textures, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple is the secret to making this dish shine. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to build layers of flavor and texture, from the juicy chicken to the creamy sauce and the crispy exterior of the burritos.
- Cooked chicken, 3 cups: Chopped or shredded, it’s the hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- Salsa, 1 1/2 cups: Choose your favorite kind to add brightness and a bit of tang.
- Ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Brings warm, earthy notes that are key to southwestern flair.
- Dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon (plus extra for the sauce): Adds subtle herbal depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 1/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for sauce: Melts beautifully and adds rich sharpness.
- Green onions, 2 chopped: Their mild bite provides a fresh crunch and color.
- Large flour tortillas, 6: The sturdy yet soft wrappers holding everything together.
- Olive oil: For brushing the burritos to get that irresistible golden crisp.
- Butter, 3 tablespoons: The base of the creamy roux for the sauce.
- All-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons: Thickens the green chile sauce perfectly.
- Garlic, 1 clove minced: Gives the sauce a savory kick without overpowering.
- Low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- Diced green chilies, 4 ounces mild: The star ingredient that brings authentic green chile flavor and gentle heat.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every element just right.
How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This little trick helps keep cleanup simple and makes sure your burritos don’t stick while baking to that perfect crispness.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together your cooked chicken, salsa, ground cumin, dried oregano, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions. This mixture creates a juicy, flavorful filling that has just the right balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy notes. Mixing it well ensures every bite is evenly seasoned and delicious.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Burritos
Lay out your large flour tortillas and put a generous scoop of chicken filling in the center of each one. Fold in the sides gently and roll tightly to form neat burritos. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, and brush the tops with olive oil—this little step guarantees a golden, crispy shell after baking. Pop them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until beautifully browned.
Step 4: Whip Up the Green Chile Sauce
While the burritos bake, melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Let it cook for about 3 minutes while stirring to get rid of the raw flour taste. Add the minced garlic, cook until fragrant, then gradually whisk in chicken broth to keep the sauce smooth. Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking until it thickens nicely. Finally, fold in the diced green chilies, shredded cheddar, and sour cream for a sauce that’s creamy with just the right tang and a gentle green chile kick.
Step 5: Smother, Broil, and Serve
After the initial bake, switch your oven to broil. Spoon the creamy green chile sauce over each burrito and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Slide them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to bubble and turn golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid any burning. Remove from oven, and your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream on top to brighten the dish and enhance the creamy, spicy flavors. A sprinkle of diced tomatoes or jalapeños can add exciting bursts of color and texture, perfect for presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These burritos pair wonderfully with classic Mexican rice or refried beans, which add warmth and heartiness. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or simple tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole can balance the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the burritos stacked on a large platter with sauce drizzled artistically, garnished with colorful veggies. Or turn them into a burrito bowl by serving the filling topped with green chile sauce and cheese alongside rice and beans for a deconstructed yet just as amazing version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.
Freezing
Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen burritos keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your burritos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to regain their crispy exterior while warming the filling through. Alternatively, microwave them covered for 2-3 minutes for convenience, though they won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time, making this Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe even easier to pull together on busy days.
What if I prefer spicier burritos?
Feel free to use hot diced green chilies or add chopped jalapeños to the filling and sauce. You can also choose a salsa with a stronger kick or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the mix.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, and replace cheddar and sour cream with dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables like peppers and zucchini. The green chile sauce and cheese remain the same, ensuring the flavor is still deeply satisfying.
What’s the best type of tortilla to use?
Large flour tortillas work best because they are flexible and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing, plus they crisp up beautifully in the oven when brushed with olive oil.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves comforting flavors with a little southwestern flair. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, it’s a dish that feels special but is simple enough to make any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming your go-to recipe for easy, delicious meals that bring everyone running to the table.
“`
Print
Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a flavorful salsa-spiced filling, wrapped in large flour tortillas, baked until crispy, and generously topped with a creamy, cheesy green chile sauce. Perfect for a comforting Mexican-inspired meal that is both satisfying and delicious.
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
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, 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
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 hot diced green chilies based on your spice preference.
- Be sure to watch the burritos closely during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.
- Leftover burritos can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a crispy finish.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
