Pulled Chicken Enchiladas with a Roasted Blender Ranchero Sauce

ulled Chicken Enchiladas with a Roasted Blender Ranchero Sauce

Five recipes here:

Poached and Pulled Chicken in a Beer and Tomatillo Broth     

Filling and Baking the Corn Tortillas

Roasted Blender Ranchero Sauce

Karen's Avocado Crema

Cinnamon Basmati Rice

~ Please see BLOG for details and photos that accompany this recipe 

 

Ingredients: 
  • 2 tablespoons onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 medium tomatillo, peeled, washed, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup beer
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 large chicken breast halves, cleaned and trimmed
  • 6 - 8" corn tortillas, preferably organic (less processed.
  • 1 recipe Roasted Blender Ranchero Sauce
  • 8 - 8" corn tortillas, preferably organic
  • 1 medium sweet potato, 1" cubes, roasted
  • 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels, cooked
  • 1 small poblano pepper, blackened, peeled, seeded, julienned
  • 1 cups queso cheese (mexican type, similar to feta- less salty), small cubes
  • ½ cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

 

Method: 

Pulled Chicken Poached in Beer & Tomatillo Broth: Place all ingredients for the broth into a 2 quart skillet that will hold three chicken breasts - 2T. onion through 1/4 t. sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Add the three chicken breasts, bring to a simmer and cover. Cook only at a BARE SIMMER - to insure the chicken is tender. Depending on the thickness of the chicken, this should take 20 minutes. Can test by removing the largest piece, and cut with a knife to see that the juices are clear when just cooked through. Remove from the burner, and cool in the broth.

When cool, pull chicken into 1/3 " lengths with your fingers into a medium sized bowl. It will pull easily with the grain of the chicken. Pour the poaching liquid over to flavor and moisten. Set aside.

Assembly of the Enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat 1 cup of the Ranchero Sauce in a skillet at least 9" wide over low heat. Have ready a 13" x 19" baking pan, spray with oil. Using tongs, place a tortilla in the pan to coat with sauce. Leave in about 20 seconds to soften. Place the tortilla on a cutting board, taking away some excess sauce. Top with your filling of choice. Drain pulled chicken from extra poaching liquid, add about 1/3 cup on top of tortilla. Add a portion of sweet potato, corn kernels, poblano peppers, queso cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping). Add 1 T. Ranchero Sauce on top of each and roll up tightly. Place in baking pan, seam side down. repeat to make 8 Enchiladas. Top with Ranchero Sauce to cover the rolls, about 1 cup. Sprinkle reserved cubed queso cheese on top, cover with foil. 
Bake for 20 minutes, or until filling has warmed through and the cheese has melted. Serve with extra Ranchero Sauce on the side and Karen's Avocado Crema. 

 

Notes: 

Roasted Blender Ranchero Sauce

Karen's Avocado Crema with Cucumbers and Tomatillos

Cinnamon Basmati Rice

Pulled Chicken Enchiladas with a Roasted Blender Ranchero Sauce - BLOG

All recipes may be made a day ahead and refrigerated. The Enchiladas can also be filled, ready to bake for the next day. Can freeze them, unbaked and heated when needed. Use your imagination for the fillings along with the Pulled Chicken. Leftover steamed or roasted vegetables would be nice too.