The Hatch chile adds a certain touch of “terroir” to this recipe for Hatch Chile Green Chicken Enchiladas, but if you can’t find them, you can substitute another a California or Anaheim Chili.
6 - 8roastedpeeled and seeded Hatch or Anaheim chiles, diced (if you use poblano, maybe only 2 large)
1cupdiced onion
2clovesgarlicminced
1tablespoonneutral oilsuch as grapeseed or rice bran
2tablespoonsflour
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspoondried oreganocrushed between your fingers
1cuphomemade or low-sodium chicken stock
2 ½cupsshredded cooked chicken either from Perfect Simple Roast Chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken
Saltto taste
8corn tortillas softened in the ovenspray both sides of the tortilla with cooking spray and place in a 325°F oven for 2 - 3 minutes, remove and stack to keep warm
1cupor as needed, shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½cupcrumbled Cotia cheese
210 ounce cans prepared green chile sauce (mild, medium, hot, you choose)
Instructions
In a skillet or sauté pan; heat the oil over medium-low heat; add the onions and garlic and sauté until tender and translucent; about 3 - 5 minutes. Add ¾ of the chopped chiles and sauté for a minute longer; then add the chicken. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the flour, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt over and cook, stirring for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour flavor and incorporate the flour thoroughly into the mixture (it will appear very dry, don't worry). Now slowly add the chicken stock, while stirring; it will bubble and thicken. Let it cook for just a few minutes if it gets too thick add a little additional stock. You want the meat to be moist. Taste and adjust seasonings.
While the chicken is cooking, heat the tortillas in the oven and shred and crumble the cheeses. Set-aside.
Open the sauces and pour into a bowl; stir in the remaining chiles.
Heat the oven to 375°F.
Take a baking dish large enough to hold the tortillas once they medium-low; put a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. In the center of each tortilla place about 3 tablespoons (or as desired) of chicken mixture; then top with a bit of Monterey Jack and a sprinkle of Cotia. Roll and space the enchilada in the sauce, seam side down. Continue until you have used all the tortillas and chicken. (Some of each cheese SHOULD be remaining.)
Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, taking care to cover them fully (otherwise you get really crunchy ends, if you like that then no worries, leave the dry); sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and place in the oven. Cook, uncovered for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Place briefly under the broiler to brown the cheese. Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve on warm plates.