Authentic Enchiladas Verdes

“These enchiladas are made with a fresh green salsa, just like you would find in a Mexican restaurant or better yet, in a Mexican home,” says PattiVerde. Reviewer ROSA MARINA can confirm: “I am Mexican, living in Mexico,” she says. “If you come to Mexico, this is what you will get if you order enchiladas in a restaurant. This is the REAL and authentic enchilada. When using tomatillos buy the smallest ones, because the bigger are bitter. I’m glad that people know how to make REAL enchiladas in the US.”

This authentic chicken enchilada recipe is made with fresh green salsa, just like you would find in a Mexican restaurant or better yet, in a Mexican home.

Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
4
Authentic Enchiladas Verdes garnished with cheese and herbs on a plate
Ingredients
  • 2 bone-in chicken breast halves
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ white onion, halved, divided
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, divided
  • 1 pound fresh tomatillos, husks removed
  • 5 serrano peppers, or to taste
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • ½ white onion, chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Authentic Enchiladas Verdes ingredients on a marble counter
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Combine chicken, broth, one quarter onion, salt, and 1 clove garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    Chicken, broth, one quarter onion in a saucepan on a burner
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Remove chicken to a large bowl to cool. Reserve broth; discard onion and garlic.

    Chicken and onion on a baking sheet next to broth in a saucepan on a towel
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. When cool enough to handle, shred chicken with your hands.

    Shredded chicken on a baking sheet
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Place tomatillos and serrano peppers in a medium pot and cover with water.

    Tomatillos and serrano peppers with water in a saucepan on a burner
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Bring to a boil and cook until tomatillos turn from bright green to dull, army green.

    Tomatillos and serrano peppers with water in a saucepan on a towel
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Strain tomatillos and peppers and place in a blender. Add remaining one quarter onion, remaining 1 clove garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pour in enough reserved broth to cover vegetables in the blender by about 1 inch.

    Tomatillos and serrano peppers in a blender with an onion
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Blend until completely puréed.

    Green salsa in a blender
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  9. Pour salsa into a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil.

    Green salsa in a saucepan
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  10. Heat oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Lightly fry tortillas, one at time, in hot oil. Remove to paper towels to drain.

    Corn tortilla with oil in a pan on a burner
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  11. Dip tortillas in low-boiling salsa until they become soft again. Place onto plates, 3 per person.

    Hand dipping a corn tortilla into green salsa in a saucepan on a burner
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  12. Fill or cover tortillas with shredded chicken, then top with salsa.

    Chicken on a baking sheet, next to green salsa in a saucepan and Enchiladas Verdes on a plate
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  13. Sprinkle with queso fresco, onion, and cilantro.

    Authentic Enchiladas Verdes garnished with cheese and herbs on a plate
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

    Nutrition Facts (per serving)

    559 Calories
    25g Fat
    49g Carbs
    37g Protein

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings Per Recipe 4
    Calories 559
    % Daily Value *
    Total Fat 25g 32%
    Saturated Fat 7g 33%
    Cholesterol 84mg 28%
    Sodium 1344mg 58%
    Total Carbohydrate 49g 18%
    Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
    Total Sugars 7g
    Protein 37g 74%
    Vitamin C 23mg 26%
    Calcium 279mg 21%
    Iron 3mg 17%
    Potassium 866mg 18%

    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

    ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

    (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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