Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the answer! Picture this: tender chicken, layers of gooey cheese, bold enchilada sauce, and all the warm, spicy flavors you crave—baked into one dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It’s like your favorite chicken enchiladas, but without all the rolling and fuss. Plus, it’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd! Trust me, this casserole is going to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Quick and Easy

No need to roll each individual tortilla—just layer everything in a casserole dish, and let the oven do the work. It’s a great option when you’re craving enchiladas but want something a little less time-consuming.

Full of Flavor

With tender chicken, spicy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, each bite is bursting with flavor. The combination of ingredients creates a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Comforting and Hearty

This casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and flavorful—everything you need for a cozy dinner that hits the spot.

Customizable

Add extra ingredients like black beans, corn, or even some fresh jalapeños for extra flavor. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by using mild or hot enchilada sauce.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and delicious.

Ingredients

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great in this casserole. They cook up tender and juicy and shred beautifully to give the casserole its hearty texture.

Enchilada Sauce

The star of the show! Choose a red or green enchilada sauce, depending on your preference. Red enchilada sauce gives a rich, deep flavor, while green enchilada sauce has a zesty, tangy kick.

Tortillas

Corn tortillas (or flour, if you prefer) create the perfect base for the casserole. They soak up the sauce and form the delicious layers that make this dish so irresistible.

Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese provide that gooey, melty goodness we all crave in a casserole. Feel free to mix in some pepper jack for an added kick.

Onion

Sautéed onions add depth of flavor and a slight sweetness that balances out the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Spices

Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika are the spices that give this casserole its bold, savory flavor. They complement the enchilada sauce perfectly!

Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the spices in the casserole. You can also mix it into the sauce for extra richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. You can either bake, sauté, or use a slow cooker. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or a stand mixer (for a quicker method). Set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika) to give them time to bloom and become aromatic.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken and Sauce

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the onions. Pour in the enchilada sauce (about 2 cups) and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased casserole dish, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of tortillas, followed by a layer of the chicken mixture, and then sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a top layer of cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro for garnish. You can also add some sliced avocado or fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Casserole

With Rice and Beans

Serve your casserole with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete, hearty meal that’s sure to fill you up.

Topped with Fresh Toppings

This casserole is perfect for topping with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. These add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.

With a Side of Salad

Pair it with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness of the casserole. A light, zesty dressing will complement the bold flavors in the dish.

On Its Own

Sometimes, this casserole is filling enough on its own! Serve it hot and enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: For a little heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the chicken mixture.
• Substitute with Ground Beef: If you prefer ground beef, you can easily swap out the chicken for ground beef. Just cook the beef first and then follow the same steps for assembling the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to a day before, cover, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight and bake as directed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

A1: Absolutely! Flour tortillas work great too. They might not absorb the sauce as much as corn tortillas, but they’ll still add that comforting texture.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

A2: Yes! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q3: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

A3: Yes, you can! Swap the chicken for beans, tofu, or even roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in the oven until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Enchilada Casserole?

A5: Yes, this casserole freezes really well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a winner, hands down! With layers of tender chicken, tangy enchilada sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to make, completely customizable, and ideal for meal prepping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, this casserole will definitely hit the spot. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to dig into one of the most satisfying dishes you’ll ever make!

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