Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Embrace the vibrant flavors of southern New Mexico with these Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas! This beloved dish showcases the region's renowned green chile ripeness, cultivated right in the heart of Hatch—the chile capital of the world. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, these enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken, a creamy sauce made from a blend of mushroom and chicken soups, and layers of zesty, roasted green chiles and melted cheese. Whether you're serving a crowd or craving a deliciously satisfying meal, these enchiladas promise comfort and warmth. As a single father of five teenage boys, this dish has become a family favorite, often paired with homemade Mexican fried rice and refried beans for a complete, hearty feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded cooked boneless chicken breast
1 lb (cooked and shredded)
Roasted green chilies
6 (peeled and diced)
Cream of mushroom soup
14 ounces (canned)
Cream of chicken soup
14 ounces (canned)
Water or milk
to fill both cans (for sauce mixture)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Garlic
to taste (optional seasoning)
Corn tortillas
2 dozen (softened)
Shredded cheese
2 cups (such as Colby, Munster, Jack, or a mixture)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced green chilies, salt, garlic, and enough water or milk to fill both empty soup cans. Stir well to mix all ingredients and let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3
Begin assembling the enchiladas in a large casserole dish. Start with a thin layer of the sauce mixture at the bottom.
4
Take a corn tortilla, layer it over the sauce, then add more sauce, followed by a portion of the shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layering process: tortilla, sauce, chicken, cheese, until all ingredients have been used, usually creating 4 to 5 layers.
5
Finish with a top layer of sauce and a final sprinkle of cheese. Make sure all tortillas are well-coated for optimal moisture while baking.
6
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
7
Serve buffet-style, allowing guests to help themselves, accompanied by Mexican fried rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the flavors in these Hatch Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas?
The flavors are inspired by southern New Mexico, specifically utilizing green chiles from Hatch, which is known as the chile capital of the world.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the primary ingredients in the enchilada sauce?
The sauce is made by combining cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced green chilies, salt, garlic, and either water or milk.
How long should the sauce mixture simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shredded cooked boneless chicken breast.
How many green chilies are needed?
You will need 6 roasted green chilies that have been peeled and diced.
What kind of tortillas should be used?
The recipe specifies using 2 dozen softened corn tortillas.
How many layers should the enchilada casserole have?
The layering process usually creates between 4 to 5 layers.
What is the suggested cheese for these enchiladas?
You can use 2 cups of shredded cheese, such as Colby, Munster, Jack, or a mixture of these.
How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming dry during baking?
Ensure all tortillas are well-coated with the sauce mixture for optimal moisture while baking.
Should the casserole be covered while in the oven?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
They should bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Remove the foil and let the enchiladas cool for 10 minutes before serving.
What sides are traditionally served with this meal?
This dish is often paired with homemade Mexican fried rice and refried beans for a complete feast.
Is garlic a required ingredient?
Garlic is listed as an optional seasoning that can be added to taste.
How much liquid should be added to the soup mixture?
Use enough water or milk to fill both of the empty 14-ounce soup cans.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Key tags include green chile, comfort food, Mexican cuisine, and family friendly.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for potlucks and family gatherings.
How should the enchiladas be served at a gathering?
The recipe suggests serving them buffet-style, allowing guests to help themselves.
What size are the soup cans used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 14-ounce cans of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup.
What is the first step in assembling the dish?
The first assembly step is to spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture at the bottom of a large casserole dish.
Can I use milk instead of water for the sauce?
Yes, you can use either water or milk to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
What is the total ingredient count for this dish?
There are 9 ingredients listed for this recipe.
How many tortillas are used in the layering process?
The recipe calls for 2 dozen (24) corn tortillas.
Is the chicken added to the sauce or layered separately?
The chicken is layered separately over the sauce and tortillas during assembly.
What is the texture of the green chiles used?
The green chiles should be roasted, peeled, and diced.
Who is the primary audience for this recipe based on the description?
It is a family favorite particularly suited for large families with teenagers and those who enjoy hearty meals.
What category does this meal fall into?
It is categorized as a casserole and a one-dish meal.
What is the final step before baking?
The final step is to finish with a top layer of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.
Are flour tortillas a good substitute according to the recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends corn tortillas for this New Mexican style dish.