Chicken enchilada casserole is a classic Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and can feed a crowd.
This dish combines tender chicken, spicy enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all layered together in a casserole dish and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious chicken enchilada casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
We’ll provide a step-by-step guide, including prep time, cook time, total time, and servings. Plus, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect chicken enchilada casserole every time.
Tips and Tricks
- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.
- If you like your enchilada casserole spicy, you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- For a creamier casserole, you can mix in some sour cream or cream cheese with the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Delicious Flavor: This casserole is bursting with delicious Mexican-inspired flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of tender chicken, savory spices, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce is sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food.
- Easy to Make: This casserole is a one-pan wonder that is easy to make and requires minimal prep time. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven for a hassle-free dinner that the whole family will love.
- Customizable: This recipe is easily customizable to suit your personal taste preferences. You can add or subtract ingredients as you like, such as adding extra veggies or swapping out the chicken for beef or tofu.
- Leftovers: This casserole makes great leftovers that can be reheated quickly for a delicious and satisfying meal anytime. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep, so you can have a healthy and flavorful lunch or dinner ready to go all week long.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal for your family, this chicken enchilada casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole Variations
The casserole can be customized in many ways to suit your preferences.
- For protein: ground turkey, beef, or shrimp can be used instead of chicken.
- Refried beans and black beans can be used if pinto beans are not available.
- Monterey Jack cheese is recommended, but cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack are also good options.
- Additional ingredients like chili powder, garlic powder, salt, or vegetables such as corn, green chiles, diced bell pepper, or sauteed onions can be added to the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they will have a different texture than corn tortillas.
Can I make this chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.
Can I freeze this chicken enchilada casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking it. Assemble the casserole as directed, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and foil, cover with new foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour (or until heated through).
Can I add other ingredients to this chicken enchilada casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can be customized to your liking. Some popular additions include sliced black olives, diced onions, and bell peppers. You can also swap out the black beans for pinto beans or add some cooked rice to the mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses would all work well in this recipe.
Should Enchiladas Be Corn Or Flour?
Using flour tortillas can make the enchiladas a bit more filling and hearty, while using corn tortillas can give them a more authentic and traditional taste.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you have available in your pantry. Both options will work perfectly fine for making enchiladas.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to this chicken enchilada casserole. Some good options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini.
A Delicious Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: How to Make it Perfectly Every Time
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat until they're no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and shred the chicken with two forks.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
- In a large bowl, mix together the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced green chilies. Stir in the cooked chicken, black beans, frozen corn, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken and sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 4-5 tortillas on top of the sauce, tearing them into pieces if necessary to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread another layer of the chicken and sauce mixture on top of the tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of shredded cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the casserole
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the chicken enchilada casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and enjoy!
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Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.