Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Weekday Lunches

This vibrant green enchiladas rice bowl combines tender shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful enchilada sauce with fluffy rice and an array of fresh toppings including black beans, corn, avocado, radishes, and crumbled cheese. The dish layers textures and colors for a satisfying meal that’s both quick to prepare and filled with Tex-Mex flair. Lime wedges add a bright finishing touch to balance the spices and richness.

Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, it invites customization with options like brown rice, quinoa, or vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, this bowl packs savory depth while remaining gluten-free and full of fresh ingredients.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:36:00 GMT
Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl overflowing with chicken, black beans, and vibrant green sauce, ready to serve. Pin
Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl overflowing with chicken, black beans, and vibrant green sauce, ready to serve. | panpatriot.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.

When I need dinner in a hurry but crave something hearty and comforting, this green enchiladas rice bowl always comes to the rescue. The combination of savory chicken, tangy sauce, and colorful toppings makes every bowl feel special.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
  • Cooked rice: 2 cups white or brown, fluffy
  • Green enchilada sauce: 1 1/2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
  • Black beans: 1 cup canned, rinsed and drained
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Red onion: 1/2 cup, diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Radishes: 1/2 cup, sliced
  • Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled or shredded
  • Lime: 1, cut into wedges
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare chicken mixture:
Combine shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Prepare rice bowls:
Fluff 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 each bowl with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese.
Serve:
Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
A close-up shot of a colorful Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl, showcasing fresh toppings piled high. Pin
A close-up shot of a colorful Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl, showcasing fresh toppings piled high. | panpatriot.com

Our family enjoys making these bowls together: everyone customizes their toppings, and the dinner table is always buzzing with excitement and laughter.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from cheese. May contain gluten depending on enchilada sauce. Avocado and cheese may cause allergy concerns: omit as needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 465, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 28 g

Warm and savory Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl boasts fluffy rice, tender chicken, and fresh cilantro garnish. Pin
Warm and savory Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl boasts fluffy rice, tender chicken, and fresh cilantro garnish. | panpatriot.com

Bring these bowls to life with your favorite toppings: they're endlessly customizable and pack vibrant flavor in every bite.

Recipe Questions

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

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

What rice types work best in this bowl?

Both white and brown rice work well, with brown rice adding a nuttier flavor and more fiber.

How can I add more heat to this meal?

Include pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to bring extra spice to the dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, when using certified gluten-free enchilada sauce, the bowl remains gluten-free.

What are good drink pairings for this bowl?

Try a crisp Mexican lager or a citrusy sparkling water to complement the flavors nicely.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

The components can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving to maintain freshness.

Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Zesty green enchilada sauce, tender chicken, rice, and fresh toppings create a vibrant Tex-Mex bowl.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Total duration
40 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin Tex-Mex

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Gluten-free

Ingredients

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or poached)

Grains

01 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

Sauce

01 1 1/2 cups green enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Vegetables & Toppings

01 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
02 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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

Step 01

Heat Chicken with Sauce and Spices: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and warm through for about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Rice Base: Fluff cooked rice and evenly distribute it into four serving bowls.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Serve with Lime: Serve each bowl accompanied by a lime wedge for squeezing over before eating.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese).
  • May contain gluten if using non-certified enchilada sauce; verify labels for gluten-free compliance.
  • Avocado and cheese may trigger allergies; omit if necessary.

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 465
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Protein: 28 g