Cozy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite Fiesta

Tucking into a hearty chicken enchilada casserole brings comfort and joy to any meal.

Layers of tortillas, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience that will make you smile.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate with each delicious bite.

Familiar ingredients combine in unexpected ways to deliver pure culinary magic.

Spices weave through the dish, adding depth and excitement to every forkful.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this casserole promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Dig in and savor every single delectable moment.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole For Cozy Dinners

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these carrot cake cupcakes require simple mixing and basic baking techniques that anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with sweet carrots, warm spices, and optional nuts, these cupcakes deliver incredible flavor that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Versatile Treat: Suitable for multiple occasions like birthdays, potlucks, afternoon tea, or just a delightful weekend baking project that brings families together in the kitchen.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Incorporate wholesome ingredients like carrots and optional nuts, transforming a classic dessert into a slightly more nutritious sweet treat that doesn't compromise on taste.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Ingredients To Gather

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Black Beans: Adds a creamy texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Green Chilies: Brings a mild, tangy heat to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder: Creates a robust and authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning blend.
• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and intensify the overall taste of the casserole.

• Tortillas: Provides structure and serves as the foundation for the layered casserole.
• Enchilada Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor to bind the ingredients.

• Cheese: Melts to create a gooey, golden-brown top layer that adds richness.

• Fresh Cilantro, Sour Cream: Adds freshness, brightness, and a cool, creamy contrast to the warm casserole.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Easy Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Enchilada sauce
• Black beans
• Green chilies
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients are beautifully combined and singing with flavor.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Grab a greased casserole dish and lay down a cozy foundation of tortillas, covering the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Add the First Chicken Layer

Spread half of the zesty chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, creating a delicious landscape of goodness.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese Happiness

Generously shower the first layer with a blanket of cheese, ensuring maximum melty deliciousness.

Step 6: Create the Second Layer

Add another set of tortillas on top of the cheesy chicken layer, creating a delectable sandwich of flavors.

Step 7: Complete the Casserole

Pour the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas and crown the dish with another generous layer of cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve with a dollop of cool sour cream.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Hints For Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and more intense flavor profile.
• Replace corn tortillas with whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier alternative.
• Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly to reduce excess liquid in the casserole.
• Add diced jalapeños for extra heat if you enjoy spicier Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for convenient future meals.

Recipe Twists For Chicken Enchilada Casserole Fans

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace green chilies with jalapeños, add diced bell peppers, and mix in pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Bean Enchilada Bake: Swap chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, use black and pinto beans, and increase vegetable medley with corn and zucchini.
• Green Chile Chicken Casserole: Double the green chilies, use green enchilada sauce, incorporate shredded green chiles, and top with tomatillo salsa.
• Mediterranean Chicken Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, add kalamata olives, sprinkle oregano, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

What Goes Best With Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Night Comfort Feast: Invite friends over for a cozy dinner and serve this chicken enchilada casserole as the star attraction. Pair it with Mexican rice, crisp green salad, and ice-cold margaritas for a complete meal that sparks conversation.
• Quick Lunch Power Plate: Pack leftover casserole slices in meal prep containers for a satisfying midday meal. Add a small container of extra sour cream and chopped cilantro to refresh the flavors when reheating at work or school.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Cut the casserole into smaller squares and serve as a hearty appetizer during sports watching parties. Set out additional toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, and salsa to let guests customize their bites.

How To Store Chicken Enchilada Casserole Leftovers

• Transfer leftover chicken enchilada casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for food safety.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this Chicken Enchilada Casserole?

The key spices are garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, which create a rich, warm flavor profile typical of Mexican-inspired dishes.

• Can I use corn or flour tortillas for this recipe?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas provide a more traditional Mexican taste, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture and milder flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it perfect for preparing in advance and baking when ready to eat.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, use hot enchilada sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the chicken mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken enchilada casserole brings layers of Mexican-inspired flavors to dinner tables with cheesy, zesty goodness. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this dish a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 10 small corn/flour tortillas
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Mix shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, creating a robust flavor base that incorporates black beans, green chilies, and aromatic spices like garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grease a casserole dish and create the first foundation layer using tortillas, ensuring complete bottom coverage.
4. Distribute half of the seasoned chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla base, then generously scatter the first cheese layer.
5. Construct a second tortilla layer on top of the initial chicken and cheese section.
6. Pour the remaining chicken mixture over the new tortilla layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
7. Sprinkle the final cheese layer across the entire casserole surface, creating a rich and melty topping.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
10. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving alongside cool, creamy sour cream for a perfect complementary touch.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free options to make the dish celiac-friendly and maintain authentic Mexican flavor.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans for vegetarian guests or health-conscious eaters.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium enchilada sauce and controlling salt measurements carefully during preparation.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and minimize last-minute kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg