Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shredded chicken slow-cooked with smoky poblanos, wrapped in corn tortillas and baked in a vibrant roasted tomato enchilada sauce. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 300 minutes blends chicken breasts, medium poblano peppers, large yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 270 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Roast 3 medium poblano peppers on a baking sheet for 15 minutes, turning halfway, until skins are blistered and charred; place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and dice the poblanos.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, dice 1 large yellow onion and mince 4 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add diced poblano peppers, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the skillet; cook 3 minutes until peppers soften.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned fire-roasted tomatoes and 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: While sauce simmers, place 2 lbs chicken breasts in a slow cooker with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp olive oil; cook on low for 4 hours until chicken shreds easily.
  6. Step 6: Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and stir into the tomato sauce mixture.
  7. Step 7: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13 inch baking dish. Warm 12 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 10 seconds each side until flexible.
  8. Step 8: Dip each tortilla into the sauce, fill with 1/4 cup shredded chicken mixture and 2 tbsp shredded Monterey Jack cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  9. Step 9: Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  10. Step 10: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and remaining 1 tbsp lime juice before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 300 minutes (30 min prep + 270 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Poblano Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Tomato 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.