I grew up in the Southwest, where Mexican food was always around. One evening, my aunt made her famous green chile chicken burritos. We all gathered, excited for what was coming.
When she brought out the burritos, the cheese and green sauce looked amazing. Each bite felt like a warm hug. It reminded me of home.
Now, I make my own version of those burritos. My smothered green chile chicken burritos recipe is a mix of tradition and my own twist. It brings back those inviting flavors.
Introduction to Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
I love making homemade Mexican food, like the best green chile smothered burritos. There’s nothing like making a meal that’s as good as a restaurant’s. These burritos are warm and tasty, perfect for family dinners.
Every bite of these burritos feels like a fiesta. They make about six servings, so there’s plenty to go around. You can make them in about 45 minutes, which is quick and fun.
They have about 273 calories each, mostly from the green chile sauce and cheese. You’ll need shredded rotisserie chicken, avocado, and sour cream for the toppings. Making these burritos at home is a cozy treat.
Waiting to eat these burritos is exciting. It’s more than just food; it’s about making memories. Let’s make these burritos a favorite in your kitchen!
What Makes These Burritos Special?
Homemade smothered burritos are special because of their real flavors and textures. They use fresh ingredients, not pre-packaged sauces. The homemade green chile sauce adds a rich taste that makes the meal special.
The burritos also freeze well, making meal prep easy. I often make a big batch for parties. They impress guests and are a great dinner for families.
The table below shows the nutritional info. It shows why these burritos are not just tasty but also good for you:
| Nutritional Value | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 647 kcal |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 1086 mg |
| Calcium | 521 mg |
| Iron | 3.9 mg |
Essential Ingredients for Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
To make the best smothered green chile chicken burritos, you need top-notch ingredients. They should mix well together for a great taste. Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious meal.
Chicken Options: Cooked or Shredded
I like to pick between shredded rotisserie chicken or cooking chicken breasts. For this recipe, use about 4 cups of diced chicken, or 3 pounds. Rotisserie chicken saves time and tastes great.
Choosing the Right Tortillas
High-quality flour tortillas make a big difference. I choose 8-inch soft taco-sized tortillas for wrapping. You can also use 10-inch tortillas for a bigger burrito. Uncooked tortillas give a better texture after baking.
The Best Cheese Combinations
The cheese you pick is key for flavor. I mix 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese for filling and topping. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack makes it creamy and tasty. Add 8 ounces of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
How to Make Homemade Green Chile Sauce
Making green chile sauce is key for my easy green chile chicken burrito recipe. It makes the burritos taste even better. Here’s a simple recipe and tips to get the sauce just right.
Basic Green Chile Sauce Recipe
This sauce needs just a few ingredients for its great taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2/3 cups chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups chopped green chilis (choose based on your desired spice level)
- 1 large clove garlic (minced)
- Dash of salt (to taste)
- Dash of cumin (to taste)
First, sauté the onion in butter until it’s soft. Then, mix in flour to make a roux. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring until it thickens. Add the green chilis and garlic, and season with salt and cumin. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Tips for Perfecting the Sauce
Here are some tips for making the best green chile sauce:
- Choose mild, medium, or hot green chilis for your spice level.
- Simmer it longer for a richer taste.
- Add more garlic or cumin for a stronger flavor.
- Freeze it for later use to make meals quicker.
This sauce is great with burritos and Southwest bowls. Try different flavors and textures to find your favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
Learning to make smothered green chile chicken burritos is fun. We’ll cover three steps: making the chicken, putting the burritos together, and baking them. This way, your dinner will be full of flavor and satisfying.
Making the Chicken Filling
To begin, prepare the chicken filling. Here’s how:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium heat.
- Use 2 pounds of boneless pork loin roast or pork tenderloin, cubed into ¾ inch pieces. Sear the pork for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add in 10 ounces of chopped tomatoes with chiles and 2 cups of water. Mix well.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of Mexican oregano and let the mixture simmer for about 1 to 1½ hours until the pork is tender.
- Thickening the sauce can be done by mixing 5 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stirring it into the mixture.
Assembling the Burritos
Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the burritos:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Take 10 flour tortillas, each 8 inches in diameter.
- Place about 1 cup of the chicken filling on each tortilla, followed by refried beans from a 15.5-ounce can or homemade; add 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese as desired for extra richness.
- Carefully roll the tortillas, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent any filling from spilling out.
Baking for the Perfect Texture
Now, it’s time to bake:
- Line a baking dish with the assembled burritos, side by side.
- Pour any remaining sauce over the burritos, then top with additional cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- For a perfect golden brown finish, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Your smothered green chile chicken burritos are now ready! They’re full of flavor and nutrients, making them great for dinner. The inside is soft, and the outside is crispy. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Smothered Burritos
Smothered green chile chicken burritos are even better with the right toppings and sides. I like to add fresh ingredients that match the burritos’ rich taste. Here are some great toppings:
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced olives
These toppings make the burritos look good and taste even better. They also make the meal healthier. For a complete meal, try these sides:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Grilled corn salad
- Fresh garden salad
Putting smothered green chile chicken burritos with sides on a plate makes a big difference. It turns a simple meal into a big feast. It’s perfect for any time.
Enjoying this tasty mix is always fun. It’s even better when I’m sharing it with friends or family!
Variations on Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
Exploring different smothered green chile chicken burritos is exciting. You can change the protein or go for a veggie version. These changes make a tasty meal just for you.
Using Different Proteins
Want something new? Try using different proteins. Here are some great choices:
- Carne asada, seasoned and grilled to perfection
- Pork carnitas, slow-cooked for a rich flavor
- Shredded beef or turkey, both adding a hearty touch
These options keep the smothered green chile chicken burritos feel but with new tastes. I love how they make the meal special.
Vegetarian Options
For a plant-based meal, try vegetarian smothered burritos. You can fill them with:
- Black beans (15 oz per recipe), drained and rinsed, providing a hearty protein source
- A mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition
- Creamy cheese or even a vegan cheese alternative for the perfect topping
These ingredients make a satisfying meal that matches the homemade green chile sauce. You won’t miss the meat with these options.
| Type of Filling | Protein Content (g) | Calories per Burrito | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 23 | 276 | 1 |
| Carne Asada | Approx. 25 | 300 | 2 |
| Pork Carnitas | Approx. 24 | 290 | 1.5 |
| Vegetarian (Black Beans) | 15 | 250 | 7 |
These smothered green chile chicken burritos show how flexible they are. Whether I choose chicken or go veggie, I enjoy making a meal that’s just right.
Storing and Freezing Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos
Keeping the taste of my smothered green chile chicken burritos fresh is important. After enjoying them, I let them cool down. Then, I store them in the fridge in foil or an airtight container. They stay good for up to three days.
To keep them longer, freezing is a good choice. I put them in a freezer bag or airtight container to avoid freezer burn. Frozen burritos can last months. Just microwave them for eight minutes to warm them up again.
Freezing the green chile sauce separately is a smart move. This way, I can add it to the burritos just before eating. The thawed sauce keeps its flavor, making the burritos even better.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Wrap tightly or use an airtight container. |
| Freezer | Several months | Use freezer bags or airtight containers. |
| Green Chile Sauce | Same as burritos | Freeze separately for best flavor. |
Pairing Side Dishes with Your Burritos
Choosing the right side dishes can make a meal special. Side dishes add flavors and make the meal complete. Here are some great options for your burritos:
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad is a nice contrast to warm burritos.
- Traditional Mexican Rice: It adds color and texture with diced carrots and potatoes.
- Savory Refried Beans: They are comforting, whether homemade or store-bought.
- Guacamole and Chips: The creamy avocado dip goes well with spicy burritos.
- Pico De Gallo: It brings freshness with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Mexican Corn (Esquites): It’s flavorful with mayo, chili powder, and cheese.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: It’s a great match for vegan burritos, adding zest.
It’s important to not overdo it with side dishes. Serve them in separate dishes for everyone to customize. This way, you can always get more of what you like.
Preparing side dishes ahead of time is smart. Guacamole can be ready in 5 minutes. Air fryer tater tots are quick too, making them perfect for busy days.
Varying textures is key. Crunchy tortilla chips add a nice crunch. Remember to think about everyone’s dietary needs. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal, with options for vegetarians, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Why Choose Homemade Over Restaurant?
Thinking about cooking makes me think of easy smothered chicken burritos. Making them at home is special. I can pick the best ingredients, avoiding bad stuff found in restaurants.
Creating my own burritos lets me add my favorite flavors. I can add more spice or choose the right cheese. It’s fun to try new things and make it just right for me.
Also, making burritos at home saves money. Eating out can cost a lot. But making them at home is fun for everyone and makes memories.
These burritos are quick to make. Prep takes 30 minutes, and cooking takes 25. So, in an hour, I have yummy burritos for everyone. Plus, I can make 7 to 8 servings from one recipe.
In short, homemade burritos are better than eating out. They let me choose what goes in, save money, and feel happy. Making easy smothered chicken burritos is a treat for everyone.
Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Burrito Recipe for Busy Nights
When I’m short on time but want something tasty, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy burritos without the hassle.
To start, here’s what you need:
- 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 6-8 flour tortillas or 12-16 corn tortillas
- 7 ounces of chopped green chile
- 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1½ cups of chicken broth
Cooking in a slow cooker makes it easy. Put the chicken thighs, green chile, and chicken broth in the slow cooker. Set it on low for 3-4 hours. If the chicken is frozen, add a couple more hours.
After the chicken is done, shred it and mix with green chile and cheese. For the sauce, melt butter in a pan. Whisk in chicken broth, milk, and more cheese. Let it thicken for 15 minutes before drizzling over the burritos.
When wrapping burritos, flour tortillas can hold ¾ cup of filling. Corn tortillas can hold ⅓ cup. Roll them gently and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For a large casserole, bake for 20-25 minutes.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make and everyone loves it. Try adding sour cream or extra cheese for extra flavor!
Feedback from Those Who Tried It
When I shared my smothered green chile chicken burritos, everyone loved them. They said the homemade green chile sauce made the dish special. One friend, who doesn’t like spicy food, said the heat was just right.
The cheese melted perfectly, making the burritos creamy. This was a big hit with everyone.
People loved adding their own touches to the burritos. They used avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro. Adding a squeeze of lime made it even better, they said.
Seeing everyone want more was amazing. They loved the smothered green chile chicken burritos so much. It was a big hit!
Everyone was impressed by how easy it was to make. In just 30 minutes, I could make four burritos. It’s perfect for busy nights.
The positive feedback was wonderful. It showed that these burritos are not just tasty. They also bring people together.
