Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Meals

Green enchiladas rice bowl combines shredded chicken simmered in tangy green enchilada sauce with cumin and smoked paprika. Plated over fluffy white or brown rice, the bowl is layered with black beans, sweet corn, and crisp red onion, then crowned with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, tangy radishes, and queso fresco. A squeeze of lime adds brightness. Preparation is quick—just warm the sauce, fluff the rice, and pile high with your favorite toppings for a colorful Tex-Mex dish perfect for busy nights. Vegetarian swaps or extra heat can be added to suit taste.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 14:33:00 GMT
A colorful Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.  Save
A colorful Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. | crumbnest.com

A vibrant and flavorful bowl featuring zesty green enchilada sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. It's a satisfying Tex-Mex meal perfect for busy weeknights.

The first time I made green enchiladas rice bowls, the mix of tangy sauce and spicy chicken became an immediate hit with my family. It's comforting, bold, and we love how each person creates their own bowl with favorite toppings.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
  • Cooked white or brown rice: 2 cups
  • Green enchilada sauce: 1 1/2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
  • Canned black beans: 1 cup, rinsed and drained
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Diced red onion: 1/2 cup
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Sliced radishes: 1/2 cup
  • Crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup
  • Lime: 1, cut into wedges
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Combine chicken and sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Prepare rice bowls:
Fluff the cooked rice and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
Add toppings:
Top each bowl of rice with warm green enchilada chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
Garnish:
Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese.
Serve:
Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Warm, zesty Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl garnished with radishes and lime wedges.  Save
Warm, zesty Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl garnished with radishes and lime wedges. | crumbnest.com

This recipe is a staple for our weeknight dinners, especially when we gather around the table and everyone gets creative with their favorite toppings. The colors and flavors always feel festive.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan, chefs knife, cutting board, serving bowls, spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese). May contain gluten if using non-certified enchilada sauce; check labels if gluten-free is required. Avocado and cheese may pose issues for those with related allergies; omit as needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 465. Total Fat: 14 g. Carbohydrates: 54 g. Protein: 28 g per serving.

Savory Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl filled with chicken, black beans, and fluffy rice. Save
Savory Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl filled with chicken, black beans, and fluffy rice. | crumbnest.com

Serve with a crisp Mexican lager or a citrusy sparkling water for even more refreshment. Enjoy your personalized bowl of Tex-Mex flavor.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken for sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or extra black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.

Which rice works best for the bowl?

Both white and brown rice are delicious options. Quinoa is also great for a whole-grain twist.

What toppings can be added for extra flavor?

Try pickled jalapeños, sliced radishes, chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, or a splash of hot sauce.

How do I keep the bowl gluten-free?

Check enchilada sauce labels for gluten-free certification and use ingredients without hidden gluten sources.

What can I serve with this bowl?

Pair with a cold Mexican lager or citrus sparkling water for a refreshing beverage complement.

How do I add more spice?

Increase heat by adding hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or extra smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.

Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Zesty green sauce, chicken, rice, fresh toppings, and Tex-Mex flavors come together in one vibrant bowl.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Gluten

Components

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

Grains

01 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

Sauce

01 1 1/2 cups green enchilada sauce

Vegetables & Toppings

01 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
02 1 cup corn kernels
03 1/2 cup diced red onion
04 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
05 1 avocado, sliced
06 1/2 cup sliced radishes
07 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
08 1 lime, cut into wedges

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly and heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Portion Cooked Rice: Fluff cooked rice and evenly divide it among four individual serving bowls.

Phase 03

Layer Base Ingredients: Top each bowl of rice with the warm chicken mixture, black beans, corn kernels, and diced red onion.

Phase 04

Apply Fresh Toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sliced radishes, and crumbled cheese.

Phase 05

Finish and Serve: Present each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the surface before enjoying.

Tools needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving bowls
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy in cheese.
  • Possible gluten in enchilada sauce—verify labeling if celiac precautions required.
  • Avocado and cheese may present issues for specific allergies—omit where appropriate.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 465
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 28 g