Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Featured in: Savory Toasts

This vibrant bowl features tender chicken simmered in zesty green enchilada sauce, served atop fluffy rice with black beans, corn, and red onion. Fresh toppings like sliced avocado, radishes, cilantro, and queso fresco or Monterey Jack add color and flavor, while a squeeze of lime brings brightness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Tex-Mex inspired dish is easy to prepare and can be adapted to accommodate vegetarian diets or whole grains. Serve with your favorite beverage and enjoy a colorful, satisfying meal.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 14:56:00 GMT
Vibrant green enchiladas rice bowl topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.  Save
Vibrant green enchiladas rice bowl topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. | butterhearth.com

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

I first started making these bowls when I wanted a quick and satisfying dinner that felt a bit more special than a typical weeknight meal. The vibrant flavors and ease of preparation quickly made it a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast: shredded (rotisserie or poached)
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice:
  • 1 1/2 cups green enchilada sauce: (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup canned black beans: rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels: (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion:
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro:
  • 1 avocado: sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced radishes:
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese:
  • 1 lime: cut into wedges
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin:
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika:
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
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.
Portion the Rice:
Fluff the cooked rice and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
Assemble the Bowls:
Top each bowl of rice with warm green enchilada chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese. Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Zesty green enchiladas rice bowl filled with chicken, beans, and colorful toppings.  Save
Zesty green enchiladas rice bowl filled with chicken, beans, and colorful toppings. | butterhearth.com

My kids always love to help add the toppings, especially the avocado and cheese, making it a fun interactive meal for the whole family.

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 (per serving)

  • Calories: 465
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Protein: 28 g

Delicious green enchiladas rice bowl garnished with radishes, lime, and queso fresco. Save
Delicious green enchiladas rice bowl garnished with radishes, lime, and queso fresco. | butterhearth.com

These green enchilada rice bowls are a perfect testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly satisfying and memorable meal that's both healthy and delicious.

Recipe Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well for this dish and helps save prep time. Simply shred and heat with sauce.

What are good vegetarian swaps?

Try sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or extra black beans in place of chicken for a nutritious plant-based version.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice offers a whole-grain option and adds a nutty flavor to the bowl.

How can I make it spicier?

Add pickled jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat, adjusting to your personal taste.

What cheese is best for topping?

Crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack both complement the Tex-Mex flavors nicely.

Are the toppings customizable?

Definitely! Use your favorite vegetables or garnishes such as sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.

Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Zesty green enchiladas bowl with chicken, rice, beans, and fresh Tex-Mex garnishes, ready in under 45 minutes.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


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 prepared 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare chicken mixture: Place shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium saucepan. Stir to blend and gently heat over medium for about 5 minutes until fully warmed through.

Stage 02

Portion rice: Fluff the cooked rice and evenly divide among four serving bowls.

Stage 03

Assemble bowls: Layer each bowl with warm green enchilada chicken, black beans, corn, and diced red onion on top of the rice.

Stage 04

Add garnishes: Top with chopped cilantro, slices of avocado, radishes, and a scattering of queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese.

Stage 05

Finish and serve: Accompany each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over just before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy due to cheese topping.
  • Check enchilada sauce label for gluten if gluten sensitivity is present.
  • Remove avocado and cheese to avoid related allergens as needed.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 465
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Protein Content: 28 g