Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Bake
Dive into the flavors of New Mexico with this irresistible Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Bake. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Land of Enchantment, this casserole is layered with tender chicken, roasted green chiles, and melted cheese, encased between soft corn tortillas. Perfect for using up leftovers or preparing fresh ingredients, this dish makes for a heartwarming meal that brings comfort to the dining table. Garnish it with fresh Roma tomatoes, crisp lettuce, raw onions, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance its taste and presentation. Whether you're serving family or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken (cooked and shredded)
4-6 pieces (Leftover rotisserie chicken, raw chicken, or boiled chicken.)
Yellow onion
1 (Chopped.)
Green chile peppers
2 cups (Chopped, use mild, medium, or hot as preferred.)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried.)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground.)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced.)
Diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (Canned.)
Cornstarch
1/4 cup (For thickening.)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1-2 cups (Shredded.)
Corn tortillas
9-12 (Whole.)
Roma tomato
1 (Chopped, for garnish.)
Lettuce
1 cup (Shredded, for garnish.)
Onion
1/2 cup (Sliced, for garnish.)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (For serving.)
Flour tortillas
4 (For serving.)
Instructions
1
Prepare your chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, raw chicken breasts, or boil whole chicken pieces in enough water to cover them until fully cooked and the broth becomes flavorful. Once cooked, reserve the broth and set the chicken aside to cool.
2
Finely chop half of a yellow onion and the same amount of green chiles as you have chicken, adjusting for your spice preference. Shred the cooled chicken and add it to a bowl.
3
In a large pot, combine the chopped onion, green chiles, oregano, cumin, minced garlic, and a 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Pour in approximately 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth, and simmer the mixture until the onion is soft and flavors meld together.
4
If the mixture is too watery, create a thickening agent by stirring 1/4 cup of cornstarch into a small amount of cold water or cooled broth. Mix well and add it back into the pot to achieve your desired thickness. Season with salt to taste.
5
In a baking dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of the chicken and green chile mixture, followed by a layer of corn tortillas, and sprinkle generously with sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole until it is bubbly and golden, about 45 minutes. Once done, let it rest for about 20 minutes to firm up before serving.
7
To serve, garnish with chopped Roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced raw onion, and sour cream for a delicious and fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Bake?
It is a New Mexican-inspired casserole layered with shredded chicken, roasted green chiles, corn tortillas, and melted cheese, often garnished with fresh vegetables.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, raw chicken breasts, or whole chicken pieces boiled until tender.
How many pieces of chicken are required?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 pieces of chicken, depending on the size and your preference for meatiness.
Should I save the water used to boil the chicken?
Yes, reserve about 2 cups of the chicken broth to use as a base for the green chile sauce.
What type of onion should I use?
A yellow onion is recommended for the sauce, while raw sliced onion is used as a garnish.
How much green chile is needed?
Use approximately 2 cups of chopped green chiles, or an amount equal to the amount of chicken used.
Can I control the spice level of this dish?
Yes, you can use mild, medium, or hot green chiles to adjust the heat to your preference.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with one teaspoon each of dried oregano and ground cumin, along with minced garlic.
Do I need to add tomatoes to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes to be simmered with the onions and chiles.
How do I thicken the green chile mixture?
Mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water or cooled broth to create a thickening agent, then stir it into the pot.
What kind of cheese is used for the layers?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its strong flavor and melting properties.
How much cheese do I need for this bake?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What type of tortillas are used in the casserole?
The casserole is layered with 9 to 12 corn tortillas.
Are flour tortillas used in this recipe?
Flour tortillas are not layered in the bake but can be served on the side.
What is the correct layering order for the casserole?
Start with the chicken and green chile mixture, follow with a layer of corn tortillas, and then a layer of shredded cheese.
How many layers should the casserole have?
You should repeat the layers until all your ingredients are used, ensuring you finish with a layer of cheese on top.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the enchilada casserole?
Bake for approximately 45 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Do I need to let the casserole rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, let it rest for about 20 minutes so it can firm up before you slice and serve it.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
Garnish with chopped Roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced raw onion, and a dollop of sour cream.
Can I use canned green chiles?
Yes, though roasted New Mexican green chiles provide the most authentic flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main casserole uses corn tortillas and cornstarch, which are typically gluten-free, but always check labels and omit the side of flour tortillas.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Boil the chicken until it is tender enough to shred easily and the broth is flavorful.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded sharp cheddar often melts better in baked dishes.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level is entirely dependent on the variety of green chiles you select, ranging from mild to very hot.
Can I add extra broth if the sauce is too thick?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding more of the reserved chicken broth if needed.
What size baking dish is required?
The recipe works best in a standard large rectangular baking dish to accommodate the layers.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.