Grilled Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken rolled in warm corn tortillas, topped with a smoky roasted poblano and tomato sauce, baked with melted cheese. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 75 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 large poblano peppers
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes
- 1 small white onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Toss 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then shred.
- Step 2: While chicken grills, char 3 large poblano peppers directly over the grill or under a broiler, turning occasionally until skin is blackened and blistered, about 10 minutes. Place peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and steam for 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and roughly chop.
- Step 3: In a hot skillet over medium heat, roast 3 Roma tomatoes, 1 small quartered white onion, and 3 garlic cloves for about 8 minutes until softened and lightly charred.
- Step 4: Blend roasted poblanos, tomatoes, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a blender until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 6: Warm 12 corn tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable. Fill each with about 2-3 tbsp shredded grilled chicken and roll tightly.
- Step 7: Spread 1 cup of the roasted poblano sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange filled tortillas seam-side down in the dish.
- Step 8: Pour remaining 1 cup sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 10: Serve enchiladas topped with 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce?
Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So easy to make and so flavorful! I used fresh cilantro on top and it was a hit at our Cinco de Mayo gathering.
- ★★★★★
Loved the balance of flavors. The grilled chicken was juicy and the sauce was creamy and aromatic. Made for my parents and they were impressed.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a new family favorite! The roasted poblano sauce added the perfect smoky flavor without being too spicy.