Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This vibrant green enchilada bowl combines tender shredded chicken simmered in zesty green enchilada sauce with fluffy rice, black beans, and sweet corn. Fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, radishes, and cheese brighten each serving. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a colorful and satisfying dish that blends bold Tex-Mex flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Customize with brown rice or add heat with pickled jalapeños for a personalized meal perfect for busy nights.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:37:00 GMT
Steaming Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl featuring chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro, ready to eat. Pin
Steaming Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl featuring chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro, ready to eat. | potfuljoy.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.

The first time I made this green enchiladas rice bowl, it was a hit: everyone wanted seconds. It's become our go-to dish when craving something bright and filling.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
  • Cooked rice: 2 cups, white or brown
  • 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

Warm Chicken Mixture:
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 Bowls:
Fluff the cooked rice and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
Top with 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.
View a flavorful Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl, showcasing a vibrant Tex-Mex meal with avocado slices. Pin
View a flavorful Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl, showcasing a vibrant Tex-Mex meal with avocado slices. | potfuljoy.com

This dish always reminds me of our Sunday dinners around the table, each bowl piled high and everyone choosing their favorite toppings.

Required Tools

You'll need a medium saucepan, chefs knife, cutting board, serving bowls, and a spoon or spatula for easy assembly.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from cheese. Check enchilada sauce ingredients for gluten. Omit avocado or cheese for allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides 465 calories, 14 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein.

A close-up of a layered Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl, with melted cheese and a squeeze of lime. Pin
A close-up of a layered Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl, with melted cheese and a squeeze of lime. | potfuljoy.com

This Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl is vibrant, hearty, and easy: perfect for weeknights or sharing with friends.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well as a whole-grain alternative and adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber to the bowl.

How can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Replace chicken with sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, extra black beans, or other vegetables to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

What toppings complement this dish best?

Fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and crumbled cheese add freshness and texture to balance the warm enchilada sauce.

Is it possible to prepare the sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade green enchilada sauce with tomatillos, green chilies, garlic, and spices can enhance the flavor and freshness of the bowl.

How long does it take to prepare this meal?

Including cooking and prep, this dish can be ready in about 40 minutes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.

Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Zesty green enchilada chicken and rice bowl topped with fresh veggies and cheese for an easy weeknight meal.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
40 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin Tex-Mex

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the chicken mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare the rice base: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.

Step 03

Assemble the bowls: Top each bowl of rice with the warm enchilada chicken mixture, black beans, corn kernels, and diced red onion.

Step 04

Add fresh toppings: Garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 05

Serve with lime wedges: Offer a lime wedge alongside each bowl for squeezing over the dish before eating.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • May contain gluten if enchilada sauce is not certified gluten-free; verify labels.
  • Avocado and cheese allergens possible; omit if necessary.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 465
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbs: 54 g
  • Protein: 28 g