Roasted Chicken + Smoked Gouda Enchiladas w/Fire Roasted Tomatillo Cranberry Sauce.
I know. I know. Did I really just add cranberries to enchiladas?

Yes, I did.
BUT hear me out because I promise, THESE are worth it.



Here’s the deal, I have been wanting to make some enchiladas w/fire roasted tomatillo cranberry sauce for forever. Ok, or at least for the last two-weeks, but I kept putting it off because I really just did not have an idea that sounded all that awesome (only awesomeness goes up on the site!). That is until I started stocking up on fresh cranberries. Then, like happens with all my favorite recipes, the name fire roasted tomatillo cranberry sauce came into my thoughts.
I LOVE when this happens. If I get a name that sounds good, I am golden. I build the recipe around the name. It’s a little odd, but I don’t know, it works for me sometimes.


I am really into cranberries at the moment. I think it is because up until last year I had never actually had fresh cranberries. Just the dried, sugared cranberries. I know, this is crazy.
I mean, what about cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving? Yeah, well I was brought up to think that cranberry sauce was no good and that I should really just focus on the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Although, I never really liked gravy growing up. I mean, I think it’s awesome now, but as a kid, I never took any gravy. What was wrong with me? I missed out on some of the most delicious parts to Thanksgiving for so many years. Ugh. I guess I will just have to make up for it in Thanksgiving’s to come.
Sounds pretty good.

I realize that I may be jumping the gun a week or two by posting these now. I probably should have waited until after Thanksgiving for such a festive looking recipe, but my new motto is PLAN in advance. Plus, cranberries are only in season for just a couple of months, I figure I should use em up well I can. You know?
And well, with November literally being 3 days away, this means the start of easy, make ahead holiday meals. Clearly, this dish should be at your next family dinner, dinner party or small gathering. They are kind of perfect for all three.

Let’s just list off all the pros of this recipe, shall we? I think we shall.
1.) Simple ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen. The chicken gets roasted during the same time as the tomatillos, cranberries and garlic making this a fairly quick meal. Once the chicken is done, you are going to want to “fire roast” the tomatillos under the broiler to give them a nice char. It’s adds that smoky fire roasted flavor without actually standing over a fire and roasting them…ahh, but I just have to say that right now standing over a hot fire sounds so nice. It’s cold and snowy and a hot blazing fire sounds soo good.
2.) These are actually a pretty healthy meal with the lean chicken, corn tortillas, tomatillos, fresh cranberries and garlic. Lots of nutrient dense foods going on. Gotta love that this time of year.
3.) These are the picture perfect, make ahead meal. Prep everything in advance and then either place in the fridge to be baked within a few days or cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed the next day. Easy peasy.
4.) The presentation of these enchiladas is pretty perfect for both November and December (just thinkin ahead so you don’t have to). I mean look at those pretty red cranberries. I cannot get enough.
5.) They are a huge hit. Like huge. Even the brothers ate them. That’s the truest test there is. Oh but, if you have picky eaters, make sure the sauce is completely smooth and I wouldn’t add any fresh cranberries onto the top after baking to make the dish look pretty. That does not fly with picky eaters. They just want to see the cheese. Can’t blame um though, cheese is always a good thing to see.

In case you are wondering, the Tomatillo Cranberry Sauce does not taste like grandmas cranberry sauce. It’s spicy, just like any enchilada sauce should be. You can tone the spicy down or bump up, but I like it just the way I have it written. The cranberries offset the spiciness perfectly and when combined with smoked gouda cheese? Well, it’s just really good.
I highly recommend adding a side of spanish rice to complete the meal. In my head, no enchilada recipe is complete without some rice. Gotta have the rice.
I guess you could do a salad, but then again, maybe not. I mean, we all really just want the rice and isn’t their enough health in the tomatillo cranberry sauce? I think so.
Oh my gosh or better yet, to your side of rice, add a big fat bowl of gauc and a big fat pile of tortilla chips. Get the blue corn flax-seed ones from Target so we can all tell ourself what a healthy balanced meal we are having.
Yes, DO THAT.


Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Brown Sugar Roasted Chicken Enchiladas w/Fire Roasted Tomatillo-Cranberry Sauce.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Enchiladas, enchilada, tomatillo
These are actually a pretty healthy and utterly tasty meal with the lean chicken, corn tortillas, tomatillos, fresh cranberries and garlic. Lots of nutrient dense foods going on.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Roasted Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons butter softened (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 16-20 corn tortillas
- 1 chopped jalapeno juice of 1 lime, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado and cotija cheese, for serving
Fire Roasted Tomatillo-Cranberry Sauce
- 2 pounds tomatillos
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries plus 1/2 cup chopped cranberries, for garnishing
- 4 cloves garlic skins on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 in chipotle chilies adobo use 1 for less heat
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk or cream
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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In a small bowl combine the butter, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika and pinch of salt + pepper. Rub the chicken all over with the butter mixture and place in a roasting pan. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
-
During the same time you are roasting the chicken, roast the ingredients for the sauce. Peel the papery skins away from your tomatillos. Place the tomatillos, cranberries and garlic on a separate roasting pan and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes or until the cranberries burst. Once the cranberries have burst, remove the cranberries AND garlic from the pan, leaving only the tomatillos on the roasting pan.
-
Turn the oven to broil and broil ONLY the tomatillos until lightly charred all over, about 2-3 minutes. Allow the tomatillos to cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Now, remove the garlic clove skins from the cooled garlic.
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Add the tomatillos, cranberries, peeled garlic cloves, chipotle chilies, tomato paste, honey and chicken broth to a food processor or blender, puree until mostly smooth. Pour the sauce into a small pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Season liberally with salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until thickened slightly. Stir in the coconut milk or cream. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro, taste and season with salt if needed.
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Meanwhile, shred the chicken with two forks, or your hands, and add to a bowl with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and half cup smoked gouda cheese.
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Once the sauce is ready, pour about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup over the chicken and toss well.
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Microwave the tortillas on high for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable. Spoon 1/4 cup chicken mixture into each tortilla. Fold over the filling, place the enchiladas in the prepared pan with seam side down. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
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Bake for 15-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Garnish the enchiladas with fresh chopped cranberries, cilantro, diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro and cotija cheese if desired. Serve with warm Spanish rice.

Because you need these… with a side of chips + guac.
This looks and sounds incredible! Love the creative twist!! And I say yes(!) to the side of guac and tortilla chips!
Thanks Annie! 🙂
I don’t know why I am telling you this, because you’re gonna judge me. But I don’t like cranberry sauce, or gravy on my turkey. I like ketchup.
Because, I’m 5. BUT, I’ll take the cranberry sauce ALL over thee enchiladas any day! Pinned!
this really made me lol, just thought I’d say so!
Yea!! Thanks Christine! 🙂
HAHA! No judging here. I mean, everybody it’s few things that are odd…trust me I have a bunch! LOL!
Thanks Taylor!
Um….I left a saliva trail on my phone cause these looked so good!
Ha! thanks!
This looks like total heaven. Yes, I will have some for breakfast please.
Thanks Brenda!
Good Grief Girl! How are you not married yet?? If you were still in Ohio, maybe I would look you up!
Haha!
Thank you!
Tieghan, it’s like you can read my mind! How did you know I have been planning a Mexican themed “welcome-home” dinner for my sister?! (Who has been living in Japan for the past two years.) I will definitely be using this recipe!
Oh no way!! I hope this is a hit, thank you!!!
Oh and tell her I said welcome home!
Fantastic – just great! Love this recipe Tieghan!
Thanks Kathy! 🙂
So much epicnesss in one dish!!! (*and epicness is now a word. k. thanks.)
Thanks Lauren!
Okay I’m intrigued! Gonna have to try this.
Thanks Naomi!
That sauce! Did you just start eating it with a spoon? Love tomatillo… and this is such a wonderfully unique way of incorporating it into a dish. Also, can we talk about how much I miss roast chicken? I don’t think about it until I see a picture or smell it… and then I start drooling.
Haha! Almost! 🙂
Thanks Brian!
I’m falling all over for that sauce! This dish looks absolutely lovely!
Thanks Lisa!
Tieghan, love this. . so inventive and creative!!! Winning!
Thank you!
These enchiladas sound incredible! I’m kind of obsessed with the brown sugar roasted chicken idea and that sauce… too good!
Thanks Laura! The chicken is so good. I love just making with a side of rice too.
These enchiladas do look incredible! Love, love, love the flavours! Bookmarking!
Thanks Jess!
I can’t believe this has white cheddar and gouda AND it’s an enchilada. My. Watering. Need. Now.
Wow. I was so entranced by this recipe, I can’t type straight. I meant Mouth. Watering. Need. Now. Ha!
Thanks Jennifer! Oh and two cheese is always better than one! 🙂
Wow. I am a (new) huge fan of just about everything that you create. This is genius and definitely sounds perfectly out of the box and wonderful. I love Thanksgiving everything, so bring it on as soon as possible!
Thank you so much!! So glad you are liking what you see! 🙂
Oh and yea for Thanksgiving!
love the idea of tomatoes and cranberries together!!
Thanks Dixya!
Cranberries is such an unexpected twist! I would never think to put it in something spicy. I always make cranberry sauce fresh for Thanksgiving, since it’s so easy to make but now I am really curious to try a spicy take on it the next time I make it!
Thank Jen! Hope you give it a try! 🙂
Well to honest I thought ho hum more chicken enchiladas. Well was I WRONG. Sometimes its wonderful to be wrong. These are far far far from being Ho Hum. Awesome is much better description.
Thank you, Carol!!
Oh my!!! How delicious…so creative with a WOW factor, will be trying these out! Thank you!
THANKS! Hope you love it!
Wow love how you incorporated cranberries in this sauce!! Genius idea!
Thank you!
Absolutely the most gorgeous pictures ever! And this recipe is pure genius! Buying cranberries and tomatillos tomorrow…yum!
Thank you so much!! Hope you love these!
Oh my goodness- I love the idea of these so much!! Definitely going to make tonight for dinner. I just have one question though- is it that you can use coconut milk or coconut cream or coconut milk or regular ol’ cream?
thanks for another amazing recipe!
Hey Sara! I may be too late, but I use canned coconut milk. I love the stuff! 🙂
Hope you love these and thanks!
Oh yum!! This looks SO good!! Definitely going to try it!!
Thanks Tiffany! Happy almost Halloween!
I have this fantasy where my favorite bloggers make a meal for me (and I’d return the favor). This is what I’d want you to make for me. (Since you aren’t in Cleveland anymore, I guess I’ll have to make it for myself.) 🙂 I am blown away!
Haha! I love that! 🙂
Thank you so much! Hope you had a great weekend!
after a long time of looking at your gorgeous photos and you’re incredibly creative recipes, I finally made one of your recipes! This did not disappoint. Tangy, spicy, saucy, and cheesy, my husband and I loved it. Thanks!
Awe, yess!! This makes me so happy! I am thrilled you guys both loved this. Thank you!!
I never would have thought to use cranberries in enchiladas but seeing them here I can see how well they pair with the tomatillos. Gorgeous pictures as usual!
Thank you so much, Jean!! 🙂
Wow. Just wow.
THANK YOU!
I got everything together yesterday and made these enchiladas, using tomatillos for the first time in my life–thank you for a keeper recipe and raising my cooking consciousness to some new ingredients. Wow! Excellent recipe! And once the barn is done it will be done for a long time, so just let it happen. The time frame is not a reflection on your person, it is creation. Happy Hols!
YEAH!! So excited you nailed and love these!! 🙂
Thanks Jacquie!
Just came across your blog a few days ago and bought all the ingredients to make this. Cranberries are not in season right now so I bought them frozen. What do you think is the best way to recreate the recipe with frozen cranberries instead of fresh? any tips of tricks?
Hey Lindsey!! I would just do the same as what the recipe already calls for you, it should work great! 🙂
Hope you love this!
Hey, I know this recipe was posted nearly a year ago, but it looks sooo good I have to be making this right now!! My only problem though – tomatillos are really hard to get hold of here in the UK, in fact I’d never heard of them before now, so is there anything you’d recommend to use instead? Tomatoes?! Thanks, and keep up the amazing recipes – I’m so excited you’re finally publishing a cookbook!!
HI Nina!! Canned roasted tomatoes will work as a great sub!! Let me know if you have any other questions, hope you love this! THANKS! 🙂
Considering I’ve made literally about 100 of your recipes by now (if not more!), I thought it’s overdue that I leave a comment. Just have to say that this recipe is absolutely amazing. I’ve made it at least 10 times and it’s my boyfriend’s favorite meal of all time. I even made a huge batch (along with your Queso Fundido Alla Tequila!) for a New Year’s Eve party and every single person raved about them 🙂 Keep up the good work (just made your beet balsamic pasta and thai chicken enchiladas this week-both killer!), I wish I had an ounce of your creativity! Can’t wait for your cookbook!
Wow I am so thrilled this is one of your favorites Amberley! Thank you so much, I hope you continue to enjoy & Happy Holidays!!
Finally got around to making this, thanks to a desire for enchiladas mixed with a bag of forlorn cranberries in the fridge. Like so many HBH recipes, it got me to use a brand new ingredient for me (tomatillos this time). It looked fantastic and I loved the taste. Your recipes are always so interesting but never bizarre. Keep up the good work. I eat better because of you!
Ah yay so happy to hear you liked it Rachel!
Thanks so so much! (So happy you eat better because of me 🙂 )
Even though this is an older recipe, I wanted to leave a comment about how awesome it is! This has been in my winter rotation for awhile and I just made it again tonight. One of my favorite enchilada recipes and perfect for Christmas time. I don’t change anything, although I top it with guacamole and cranberry sauce instead of the halved cranberries. Everyone in my family loves it, even the kid! Thank you for the recipe, highly recommend!
I am so glad everyone in your family loves this recipe, Laura! Thank you so much!
I was skeptical about the cranberries but holy cow, this was fantastic! I made the sauce and ended up straight up drinking it like soup! I froze half the chicken and made a week’s worth of uncooked enchiladas to make for easy dinners. Also, for my very first whole roasted chicken, I’d say I did pretty well! Very happy with how this all turned out!
I am so happy you loved this Jordan! Thank you so much!!
I understand that the tomatillos are basically a staple part of this recipe, but it seems no matter the season, my grocery store NEVER seems to have them. Is there a backup choice you’d consider if you had to have this recipe but can’t find tomatillos?
Hi Amanda,
You can try buying underripe tomatoes and adding a squeeze of lime juice. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
My husband said these were the best enchiladas he has EVER HAD! And make me promise to make them with the leftover turkey next weekend. Great success!