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–+ servings
Chicken Tortillas
This Chicken Tortillas recipe reflects a practical, home-style approach to Tex-Mex cooking, combining simple pantry ingredients with bold, comforting flavors. The method emphasizes lightly heating tortillas, filling them with seasoned chicken, green chilies, onions, and cheese, then baking everything together with a flavorful sauce. Dishes like this became popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens as Mexican-inspired ingredients became more widely available. The addition of green salsa and Ortega chilies gives it a mild heat and tangy depth, while the melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a flexible, satisfying dish that works equally well for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded)
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup green onions (chopped)
  • 4 oz Ortega green chilies, (1 can, whole or chopped)
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup green salsa (mild)
  • 1 tsp green hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (for serving)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Tortillas

  • Fry tortillas two at a time in a lightly oiled pan.
  • Cook only a few seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  • Set aside.

Step 2: Make White Sauce

  • Melt butter in a saucepan.
  • Stir in flour and cook briefly.
  • Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth.
  • Add green salsa, hot sauce, and salt.
  • Simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Assemble Filling

  • Mix shredded chicken, green onions, green chilies, and half the cheese.

Step 4: Fill Tortillas

  • Spoon about 2 tbsp of sauce onto each tortilla.
  • Add chicken mixture.
  • Roll tightly.

Step 5: Arrange in Dish

  • Place filled tortillas seam-side down in a baking dish.
  • Pour remaining sauce over the top.

Step 6: Add Cheese

  • Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the tortillas.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve

  • Top with shredded lettuce and fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • Substitute flour tortillas for a softer texture
  • Add black beans for extra protein and fiber
  • Spice it up with jalapeños or hotter salsa
  • Use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for variation
  • Make ahead and refrigerate before baking
  • Add sour cream to the sauce for extra richness
  • Top with avocado slices for freshness
  • Turn into a layered casserole instead of rolled tortillas

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken dinner, comfort food, easy dinner, family favorite, Tex-Mex, vintage recipe
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