Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

These Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are the perfect dish for any occasion, from family dinners to casual get-togethers. Packed with shredded chicken, zesty spices, and topped with a creamy green chile sauce, they deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing option, these burritos will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Filling: The combination of chicken, salsa, and spices creates a delicious filling that pairs perfectly with the green chile sauce.
• Crispy Texture: Baking the burritos gives them a delightful crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, anyone can prepare these smothered burritos in no time.
• Versatile Meal: Serve them as a main course or pair them with sides like rice or beans for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead Option: These burritos can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for your burritos while baking, ensuring even cooking.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for making the creamy green chile sauce without worrying about spills.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly when preparing your sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for mixing the chicken filling ingredients easily.

Ingredients

These Smothered Burritos are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and spices, baked until crispy, and then smothered in the best homemade green chile sauce.

For the 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

For Brushing

• Olive oil, for brushing on burritos

For the 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

How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Cooked chicken
2. Salsa
3. Ground cumin
4. Dried oregano
5. Shredded cheddar cheese
6. Chopped green onions

Place about 1/2 cup of this mixture in the center of each tortilla.

Step 3: Roll the Burritos

Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them up tightly like a burrito. Place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each burrito lightly with olive oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt butter until bubbling.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
3. Add minced garlic; stir for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth.
5. Add cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Remove from heat and stir in green chilies, cheese, and sour cream. Adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Broil

Remove burritos from oven and turn on HIGH broil. Ladle sauce over each burrito and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese has melted.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your delicious Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos hot alongside Authentic Mexican Rice!

How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Serving Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos is all about enhancing their flavor and presentation. Here are some delicious suggestions to elevate your burrito experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop on top provides creaminess and balances the heat.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the savory filling.

Pair with Flavorful Sides

• Mexican Rice: A classic side that pairs well with the burritos.
• Refried Beans: Adds protein and texture to the meal.
• Guacamole: A rich and creamy dip that enhances the overall dish.

Create a Burrito Bowl

• Layer Ingredients: Instead of wrapping, serve the burrito filling over rice or lettuce for a fresh bowl option.
• Top with Sauce: Drizzle homemade green chile sauce over the top for added flavor.

Serve with a Drink

• Margaritas: A refreshing cocktail that complements the spices in the burritos.
• Agua Fresca: A light and fruity beverage that pairs beautifully.

How to Perfect Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Perfecting your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos takes a little practice, but these tips will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, vegetables, and spices enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Too much filling can make rolling difficult; stick to a heaping 1/2 cup.
• Brown Your Burritos: Baking until golden brown adds a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
• Customize Spices: Adjust cumin and oregano levels according to your taste preferences for a personal touch.
• Let Sauce Cool Slightly Before Serving: This prevents burns and allows flavors to meld together better.

Best Side Dishes for Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Pairing side dishes with your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa for dipping.
2. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with cheese, lime, and chili powder for a sweet spicy treat.
3. Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa that adds brightness and crunch.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime for a zesty complement.
5. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad loaded with black beans, corn, peppers, and lime dressing.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices complement the burrito’s flavors nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos even more delicious.

• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and crispy burritos.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Too much filling can cause the tortillas to break. Stick to about 1/2 cup per burrito for best results.
• Skipping the broil step: Broiling adds a wonderful golden finish to your burritos. Don’t skip it if you want that melty cheese on top!
• Using low-quality ingredients: Quality matters! Opt for fresh chicken and good cheese to enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Forgetting to season: Proper seasoning is key. Taste your filling and sauce before cooking and adjust salt and spices accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual burritos in foil or plastic wrap for easy access.

Freezing Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

• Freeze uncooked burritos by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For cooked burritos, allow them to cool completely before freezing, then store in an airtight container.

Reheating Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes! Feel free to substitute shredded beef or pork for a different flavor profile.

How spicy are these Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos?

The spice level mainly depends on the type of green chilies used. Mild varieties keep it gentle, while spicier options can add heat.

Can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute shredded vegetables or beans for chicken to create a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize the filling?

You can add black beans, corn, or different cheeses based on your preference. The possibilities are endless!

How long does it take to prepare these burritos?

The total time for making Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos is around 50 minutes from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

These Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various ingredients based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying them as leftovers, these burritos will surely impress!