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Smoky Chicken Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano and Cumin

This dish features shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas, layered with roasted poblano peppers and toasted cumin seeds, then baked under a creamy, spicy sauce. The final enchiladas have a bubbly, golden-brown crust with a rich, velvety texture that highlights bold flavors and smoky aromas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken preferably rotisserie or boiled
  • 3 poblano peppers roasted and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds lightly toasted for flavor
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk preferably whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and sautéing
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, adds depth
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 6 large flour tortillas preferably soft and pliable
  • 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Blender
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until charred and blistered, then place in a plastic bag to steam; peel off the skins and slice into strips.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and smoked paprika to the onions, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until heated through.
  4. In a blender, combine sour cream, milk, toasted cumin seeds, and a pinch of salt; blend until smooth to make the sauce.
  5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly, and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter the baking dish, then spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken sauce mixture at the bottom.
  7. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable, then spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
  8. Arrange the filled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, then ladle the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  9. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
  10. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes; garnish with sliced poblano strips if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors.