Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This bowl features tender shredded chicken simmered in green enchilada sauce, paired with fluffy rice and classic Tex-Mex toppings such as black beans, corn, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Creamy avocado, crisp radishes, and queso fresco add flavor and color, while a squeeze of lime brightens each bite. Seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, this dish comes together quickly and offers a gluten-free option for hearty weeknight meals. Adjust toppings or swap proteins as you like for a satisfying, customizable experience at the table.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:35:00 GMT
Delicious Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado and queso fresco.  Save
Delicious Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl topped with fresh avocado and queso fresco. | ovenharmony.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, my family was amazed at the lively colors and comforting flavors. It instantly became one of our go-to dinners for hectic weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
  • White or brown rice: 2 cups, cooked
  • 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)
  • Diced red onion: 1/2 cup
  • 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:
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.
Divide Rice:
Fluff the cooked rice and divide it evenly among four serving bowls.
Assemble Bowls:
Top each bowl of rice with warm green enchilada chicken, black beans, corn, and red onion.
Add Toppings:
Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and cheese.
Serve:
Serve each bowl with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Savory green enchiladas rice bowl, featuring tender chicken and vibrant toppings.  Save
Savory green enchiladas rice bowl, featuring tender chicken and vibrant toppings. | ovenharmony.com

Sharing these rice bowls on a quiet Sunday brought everyone together: even picky eaters loved building their own with favorite toppings.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from cheese. May contain gluten if enchilada sauce is not certified. Avocado and cheese may be allergens; omit as needed.

Nutritional Information

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

Colorful green enchiladas rice bowl with zesty sauce, beans, and lime wedges. Save
Colorful green enchiladas rice bowl with zesty sauce, beans, and lime wedges. | ovenharmony.com

This bowl comes together in less than an hour and brings freshness and comfort every time. Try mixing grains like quinoa for a fun twist.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or use extra black beans for a meat-free bowl.

Which type of rice works best?

Both white and brown rice are excellent choices. For a whole-grain option, try quinoa in place of rice.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

If using certified gluten-free enchilada sauce and gluten-free toppings, this bowl is naturally gluten-free.

What cheeses can I use?

Queso fresco and Monterey Jack both add great flavor. Choose your favorite or omit for dairy-free preferences.

How can I add more heat?

Add pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra smoked paprika to the chicken mixture for a spicier bowl.

Can I prep ahead for quick assembly?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate chicken, rice, and toppings separately. Assemble bowls just before serving.

Green Enchiladas Rice Bowl

A zesty Tex-Mex bowl with chicken, green sauce, rice, beans, and vibrant toppings for a simple dinner.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Easy Weeknight Meals

Complexity Easy

Heritage Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Without gluten

Components

Proteins

01 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

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 the mixture is warmed through, approximately 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Prepare Rice Base: Fluff the cooked rice using a fork, then evenly divide it among four serving bowls.

Phase 03

Layer Main Components: Top each bowl of rice with a portion of the warm chicken mixture, followed by black beans, corn, and diced red onion.

Phase 04

Add Garnishes: Finish each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, radishes, and the cheese of your choice.

Phase 05

Serve: Add a lime wedge to each bowl for squeezing over the toppings just before enjoying.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • Verify enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free if necessary.
  • Avocado and cheese may trigger allergies; omit for sensitive individuals.

Nutritional information (each portion)

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