Name: Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; olive oil, for brushing on burritos; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of cozy, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex comfort food, these Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are about to steal your heart (and your dinner plans!). Packed with flavorful chicken, wrapped in golden-crisped tortillas, and absolutely lavished with a creamy green chile sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and cheer to your table. Whether you’re whipping up a casual family meal or treating friends to an unforgettable feast, Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos always get rave reviews for their irresistible blend of tender chicken, zesty salsa, melted cheese, and a tangy chile kick. Let’s break down every step so you can confidently master your new favorite burrito.

Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re going to love how the simplest ingredients come together to create truly magical flavor and texture. Each addition plays a starring role, whether it’s bringing spice, tang, creaminess, or that all-important golden finish.

Cooked chicken (3 cups, chopped or shredded): Rotisserie, grilled, or poached—use what you love, but make sure it’s tender and juicy.
Salsa (1 1/2 cups): Go with your favorite mild or spicy salsa for personalized flavor; it helps keep the filling moist and vibrant.
Ground cumin (1 1/2 teaspoons + 1/2 teaspoon for sauce): Adds signature smoky depth to both the filling and sauce.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for sauce): Provides earthy, classic Mexican aroma—crush it in your palm before adding.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/4 cups for filling + 1/3 cup for sauce & more for broiling): Melty cheddar brings savory richness throughout every layer.
Green onions (2, chopped): These punch up the filling with a fresh, mild bite.
Large flour tortillas (6): Choose burrito-size tortillas that are soft and pliable for easy rolling.
Olive oil: A quick brush on the tortillas before baking gives them irresistible crisp and color.
Butter (3 tablespoons): Forms the base for a creamy, dreamy green chile sauce.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it’s perfectly velvety.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just a touch delivers major savory punch to the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Builds flavor and keeps the sauce lighter, letting the green chiles shine.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Boosts every other flavor—season with confidence and taste as you go.
Diced green chilies (4 ounces, mild): These are the star of the sauce, bringing signature tang and gentle heat.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Rounds out the sauce with lovely tang and creamy body.

How to Make Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Before you start assembling, get your oven preheating to 400°F so it’s piping hot when it’s time to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking, ensuring your burritos will crisp up beautifully without any mess.

Step 2: Mix the Burrito Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, salsa, ground cumin, crushed dried oregano, 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. This combination promises both richness from the cheese and chicken, and a bright punch from the salsa and green onions. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your salsa choice—the personality you bring here really makes your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos stand out.

Step 3: Roll the Burritos

Lay out your flour tortillas and spoon a generous amount of filling (about a heaping 1/2 cup) right into the center of each. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly from the bottom, just like a pro. Place each burrito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. For that signature golden crunch, lightly brush each one with olive oil, or give them a quick spritz of nonstick spray.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Slide the burritos into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for tortillas that are gorgeously golden, crispy on the outside, and slightly puffed. This is what sets Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos apart from so many other burrito recipes—no soggy wraps here!

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Green Chile Sauce

While your burritos are becoming crispy works of art, let’s turn to that luscious sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly, then whisk in the flour to make a simple roux. Keep stirring for 3 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste. Next, stir in the garlic for a boost of flavor, followed by a slow whisk-in of chicken broth. Add the cumin, oregano, plus a pinch of salt and pepper; then simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in the diced green chilies, 1/3 cup shredded cheddar, and sour cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning—it should be creamy, tangy, and filled with chile warmth.

Step 6: Smother and Broil

Take your burritos from the oven and set it to high broil. Ladle a generous amount of your velvety green chile sauce over each burrito. Top with an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar to make a gooey, golden topping. Broil for just 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely!—until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The moment you pull them from the oven is pure anticipation.

Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Your Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are ready to steal the show! For the authentic experience, serve them warm with a big spoonful of Mexican rice and all your favorite trimmings. Prepare for happy faces and full bellies!

How to Serve Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos

Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with garnishes—finishing touches make every bite pop! I love showering these burritos with fresh cilantro, extra chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños (for a playground of heat), or a slice of creamy avocado. A squeeze of lime really wakes up the whole dish and balances those rich, cheesy flavors.

Side Dishes

To turn Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos into a full meal, serve them with classic sides like authentic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple elote-style corn salad. Crunchy tortilla chips and a bowl of salsa or guacamole also never fail to round out the spread. It’s impossible to go wrong—just follow your cravings!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a gathering? Slice your burritos in half on a diagonal and arrange them on a big platter, drizzled generously with the green chile sauce. For a fun party twist, serve them in a sizzling cast iron dish with lots of extra cheese for dipping. You can even make mini burritos with smaller tortillas for an appetizer-style version of Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos—they’ll disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow find yourself with leftovers, lucky you! Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the sauce separately in an airtight container, as this prevents the tortillas from getting soggy and keeps everything tasting fresh.

Freezing

Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are incredibly freezer-friendly. Assemble the burritos (without baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to three months. Freeze the sauce in a separate container. When you’re ready for a quick weeknight dinner, just bake them straight from frozen—allow a little extra time in the oven for perfect results.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap and arrange your burritos on a baking sheet. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes for refrigerated, up to 30 minutes for frozen). Heat the sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave, then pour generously over the burritos and finish with fresh cheese under the broiler for that signature bubbly topping.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and delivers tons of flavor. Just shred or chop it, and fold it right into the filling—you’ll have dinner on the table even faster.

What kind of salsa works best in the filling?

Both store-bought and homemade salsa are delicious here. Choose a red or green salsa with the spice level you enjoy most. Fire-roasted salsas add a lovely smoky note, while fruitier salsas will add a touch of sweet acidity.

How can I make these burritos vegetarian?

Swap out chicken for sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans, or go for a hearty filling of seasoned sweet potatoes. The real magic is in the sauce and the cheese, so even without meat, Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos are a guaranteed win!

Can I make the green chile sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before using and whisk well to restore its creamy smoothness—don’t forget to taste and refresh your seasoning if needed.

What’s the best cheese to use for topping these burritos?

Cheddar is a classic choice for both flavor and melt, but Monterey Jack or a blend with mozzarella also works beautifully if you like an extra gooey finish. No matter what you choose, a generous hand with the cheese makes every bite irresistible!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into these Smothered Green Chile Chicken Burritos! They’re the kind of meal that brings people together, warms up any day, and has everyone reaching for seconds. Don’t forget to personalize them with your favorite toppings and sides—and share the love by making a batch for friends and family. Happy cooking!