Zesty Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe for Flavor Lovers
Sizzling with southwestern charm, these mouthwatering smothered green Chile chicken burritos bring spicy comfort straight to your dinner table.
Tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas creates a delectable foundation for the vibrant green Chile sauce.
Layers of robust flavors dance across each bite, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.
Packed with zesty peppers and succulent meat, this recipe delivers a punch of authentic southwestern flair.
The green Chile sauce blankets each burrito in a rich, tangy embrace that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Every forkful promises a delightful journey through bold, hearty textures and colors.
Grab your skillet and get ready to master a restaurant-worthy dish that will make weeknight dinners unforgettable.
Instructions for Making Green Chile Chicken Burritos
Flavor Foundation Magical mixture of tender chicken, vibrant salsa, warm spices, melty cheese, and fresh onions combined into a delightful filling.
Burrito Crafting Carefully wrap the savory mixture inside soft tortillas, creating snug little flavor packages that promise deliciousness.
Golden Transformation Place rolled bundles on a prepared baking sheet, giving them a light olive oil massage to encourage beautiful browning.
Creamy Green Chile Sauce Melt butter, whisk in flour creating a silky base. Add aromatic garlic, chicken broth, and gentle spices to develop a luxurious sauce with green chile excitement.
Cheesy Finale Drench burritos with velvety sauce, crown with a generous cheese blanket, and broil until perfectly melted and irresistibly bubbly.
Serving Celebration Present your masterpiece alongside fluffy Mexican rice, creating a meal that dances with southwestern spirit and comfort.
Flavor Ideas for Smothered Chicken Burritos
Customize the sauce's heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot green chilies based on your spice preference.
Swap chicken with shredded beef, carnitas, or black beans for a delicious protein variation that keeps the recipe exciting.
Use whole wheat, spinach, or corn tortillas to add nutritional variety and create different flavor profiles for your burritos.
Prepare the chicken filling and green chile sauce up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline meal preparation and save time during busy weeknights.
Brush burritos with a thin layer of olive oil or use cooking spray to ensure extra crispy, golden-brown edges that provide a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Serving Up Smothered Green Chile Burritos Creatively
Savor Spicy Flavor Companions: Pair these green chile chicken burritos with cool, creamy guacamole to balance the heat and add a fresh dimension.
Garnish with Zesty Toppings: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top to enhance the burrito's rich flavors.
Create a Hearty Meal Ensemble: Serve alongside Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp side salad to transform this dish into a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
Complete with Cool Drink Pairing: Complement the spicy burritos with an ice-cold Mexican beer, refreshing margarita, or tangy citrus-infused agua fresca to cut through the richness.
How to Store Smothered Chicken Burritos
Here's the Meal Planning & Storage Advice section
Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual burritos in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency. Enjoy within 2 months for best quality.
Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated burritos in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For frozen burritos, defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Use oven or air fryer to restore crispy exterior.
Batch Cooking Hack: Prepare double the recipe and freeze extra burritos for quick weeknight dinners. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 520 kcal
Servings: 7
What Goes into Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
For Main Ingredients:
Chicken: Tender protein base that brings hearty flavor and substance to the burrito filling.
Tortillas: Soft, pliable wrap that holds all the delicious ingredients together, choose fresh ones for best texture.
Salsa: Adds zesty moisture and depth to the chicken mixture, select your favorite style for personalized heat.
For Filling Enhancers:
Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that provides authentic southwestern depth.
Oregano: Classic herb that brings subtle Mediterranean undertones to the dish.
Cheese: Creamy melting component that adds richness and binds ingredients, select a good melting variety.
Onions: Provides sharp, aromatic crunch and foundational flavor to the filling.
For Sauce Components:
Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for the sauce, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a velvety sauce texture.
Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base with deep savory notes, use low-sodium for better seasoning control.
Green Chilies: Introduces bright, slightly spicy element to the sauce, choose roasted for enhanced flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds creamy tang and smooths out the sauce's intensity.
Garlic: Brings pungent, aromatic depth to the sauce, fresh is always best.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall flavor profile.
Tools You’ll Need for Green Chile Chicken Burritos
Baking Sheet: Lined with foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up and crispy burrito baking.
Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy green chile sauce.
Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending sauce ingredients and preventing lumps.
Measuring Cups: Helps accurately portion chicken mixture into tortillas.
Green chile chicken burritos showcase New Mexican flavors with tender shredded chicken wrapped in warm tortillas and covered in rich, spicy sauce. Hearty ingredients and bold seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups chicken, chopped or shredded
6 large flour tortillas
1 ¼ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
⅓ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ½ cups salsa
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 oz (113 grams) green chilies, diced (mild)
½ cup sour cream
3 tbsps butter
3 tbsps all-purpose flour
2 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ½ tsps ground cumin
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
½ tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
Olive oil, for brushing on burritos
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Filling Creation: Mix shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese, and onions in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Burrito Assembly: Spread chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla, folding sides inward and rolling tightly with seam facing down on prepared baking sheet.
Pre-Baking Technique: Brush burritos lightly with olive oil to promote golden browning and enhance exterior crispness.
Initial Baking: Roast burritos for 20-25 minutes until exterior turns golden and crispy.
Sauce Preparation: Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour to create roux, then add garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic notes.
Sauce Development: Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps; season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, simmering until sauce thickens.
Sauce Finishing: Remove from heat and fold in green chilies, cheese, and sour cream, adjusting seasonings to taste.
Final Assembly: Ladle green chile sauce over baked burritos, sprinkle with additional cheese.
Broiling Finish: Place under high broil for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to ensure perfect cheese melting without burning.
Serving: Plate immediately alongside authentic Mexican rice for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
Tortilla Technique: Choose large, soft flour tortillas for easier wrapping and better structural integrity of the burrito.
Chicken Prep Tip: Use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for faster assembly and deeper flavor profiles.
Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk continuously while making the roux to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy green chile sauce.
Broiling Caution: Watch the burritos closely during the final broiling stage to prevent cheese from burning and achieve perfect golden-brown melting.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.