When I first tried making green chile chicken smothered burritos, I instantly knew this recipe was a keeper. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and that luscious green sauce melted perfectly into each bite. It’s one of those dishes you make once and immediately crave again. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and the result? Absolutely unbeatable! Here’s how you can make it at home.

green chile chicken smothered burritos recipe

Credit: positivelysplendid

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that, when combined, create a rich, satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Green Burrito Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Creates a creamy, smooth base for the sauce.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Thickens the sauce perfectly.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Adds depth without being overly salty.
14-ounce can green enchilada sauce
Hatch brand works wonderfully for bold, authentic flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Lends a warm, earthy undertone.
¼ teaspoon salt
Balances the flavors while enhancing richness.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Adds a light kick for balance.

For the Burrito Filling:

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
I love using rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor.
4-ounce can mild diced green chiles, drained
Adds a hint of spice without overpowering.
½ cup sour cream
Brings creaminess to the filling.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Smooth, melty, and oh-so-good.
½ teaspoon salt
Seasoning makes everything pop.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Another touch of zest to round out flavors.

For the Rest:

6 burrito-sized (10-inch) flour tortillas
The perfect size to hold all that goodness.
2 cups shredded cheese
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully.
¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
These add freshness and a pop of color.

Optional Toppings:

Fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, hot sauce, or salsa
Customize it your way!

Note: This recipe makes about six burritos, perfect for feeding a family or indulging over a couple of days.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy swaps or additions:

Dairy-free: Replace cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. A creamy cashew sauce works great!
Low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas, or swap them out entirely and layer the filling and sauce in a casserole dish.
Add flavor: Sauté diced onions and garlic to mix into the filling for a deeper, richer taste. You could also spice it up with jalapeños.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or seasoned black beans.

For a spicy kick, you might also enjoy these Chili Lime Steak Bites as a side or appetizer.

Cooking Time

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Gather these tools to streamline the cooking process:

Medium saucepan: For preparing the green sauce.
Mixing bowl: To combine the filling ingredients.
9×13-inch baking dish: To bake the burritos perfectly.
Whisk: For a lump-free sauce.
Kitchen tongs: To handle tortillas with ease.

How to Make Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos?

Making this dish is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Burrito Sauce

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a saucepan over low heat. Once warmed, whisk in the flour and cook for about two minutes until slightly golden. Gradually add the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, cumin, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it thickens, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Burrito Filling

Combine the shredded chicken, green chiles, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Stir everything until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

To make assembly easier, heat your tortillas gently. Stack them between two damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will make them pliable and less likely to tear when rolling.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

Divide the filling evenly among the tortillas. Fold the edges inward and roll tightly. Place each burrito seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Bake and Top

Pour the prepared sauce generously over the burritos. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with green onions and any optional toppings you love. Serve hot, straight from the oven!

Credit: tastesbetterfromscratch

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned to make these burritos even more amazing:

Fresh cheese always melts better. Grate your own instead of using pre-shredded.
Don’t skip heating the tortillas. It makes rolling so much easier!
Season to taste as you go along. A little adjustment can elevate the flavors.
If you like extra sauciness, make 1.5 batches of the sauce.
Freeze leftovers individually for quick and easy meals later.

How to Serve Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos?

These burritos look restaurant-worthy when plated correctly. Serve with sides like cilantro-lime rice, guacamole, or homemade salsa. For garnish, a dollop of sour cream, some diced avocado, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro not only look beautiful but add wonderful flavor. For a twist, you might also enjoy these Cajun Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipes that bring bold flavors to your table.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect from one serving:

Calories: 647
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 39g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish works wonderfully for meal prep. Here’s how to handle leftovers or prepare in advance:

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap burritos individually in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with green chile chicken smothered burritos:

Quick and easy to make, even on busy days.
Customizable flavors to suit every palate.
Perfect for prepping ahead and freezing for convenience.
Full of balanced, comforting flavors without being complicated.
Kid- and family-approved, making it a go-to meal for everyone.

These green chile chicken smothered burritos are a big hit every time I make them. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Give it a try and see why it’s become one of my favorites! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration.

Ash Tyrrell