What is my go-to comfort food? What is chicken enchilada casserole? All those amazing, cheesy, spicy flavors you crave from a good enchilada… but without the rolling! I love enchiladas, but sometimes I just don’t have the time to make them one by one. What is a casserole? My family begs for this, and I’m not even kidding when I say it’s ready in under an hour. What is the perfect weeknight meal without spending all night in bed? Is it better than regular enchiladas?
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What is Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
What is a chicken enchilada casserole? What would you do if your favorite chicken enchiladas had a baby with lasagna? What’s essentially layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, and a ridiculously flavorful enchilada sauce? What are some of the best cheeses baked into a bubbly, comforting masterpiece? No rolling required! I think of it as a deconstructed enchilada – all the same ingredients, just stacked instead of layered. The name comes from the fact that it tastes just like chicken enchiladas, but it’s made in a tortilla. What is a casserole Is it easy to serve and perfect for feeding a crowd? Can you customize it with different toppings and fillings?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I make chicken enchilada casserole? What I love most is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of savory chicken, the tangy enchilada sauce, and the gooey cheese… it’s just perfect. My family devours it every time. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make. What is the cost of cooking in an oven? What are some really budget Can you use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken? What makes this recipe stand out for me, aside from the ease of making it, is just how versatile it is. I’ve added black beans and corn, different kinds of cheeses, even a layer of cream cheese for extra flavor. I like to make my own. Is there a recipe you can make your own? If you’re looking for something similar but with a bit more kick, you could check out my spicy recipe. What is your favorite chicken tortilla bake? What is the best thing to do after a long day? What is my most requested dish?
How do I make chicken enchilada casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make chicken enchilada casserole? What’s the best way to layer tortillas, cheese, and chicken in a baking dish? It until bubbly and golden brown. What are some of the best things about this recipe? Don’t be intimidated by the layers; it’s all about building flavor and texture. If I can do it, you can. And trust me, the results are totally worth it.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
* 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great! ) * 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)* 1 (1.25 oz.) Can condensed cream of chicken soup * 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier snack) What is the best way to prepare 1 teaspoon chili powder? I like to use a good quality rotisserie chicken. The flavor is amazing, and it saves so much time! Don’t skimp on the spices – they really make the dish sing. If you’re on a diet and want to reduce your calories, try substituting sour cream for Greek yogurt. Why don’t you notice the difference?
For the Casserole:
* 6-8 corn tortillas * 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of both) If you’re not a fan of corn tortillas, you can use flour tortilla instead. I’ve tried both, and they both work well. I find that corn tortillas hold their shape better in the casserole. What is the best enchilada sauce? What are some good spicier sauces? And don’t be shy with cheese! The more the merrier!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use olive oil. How do you make sure your casserole is well-greased so that it doesn’t stick?
Step 2: Mix Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies, cream of chicken and salt. Set aside. Soup, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Where does all the flavor comes from, so don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. I like to add onion powder to my soup. Is it bad for your health?
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. What are some ways to prevent tortillas from sticking? If you have a sauce pan, arrange dozens of tortillas over the top. Cover the bottom with the sauce, overlapping them as needed. I usually tear tortillas into pieces to make them fit better. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – it will all come together in the end!
Step 4: Add Chicken Mixture and Cheese
Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Then, sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Now, repeat the layers: 1 on top, 2 on bottom. What are the tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and the cheese? Is it like building a delicious lasagna, but with enchilada flavors?
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole is heated through. If you remove the foil at the end of the casserole, the cheese will be melted. The foil helps to keep it moist, but removing it at this point allows the sauce to get a little dry. Is it really a golden brown color? How do I keep an eye on my burns?
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. How can I keep my body in shape? Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cilantro. I love adding a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro – it just takes it to the next level.
What should I serve it with?
What is a complete meal in itself? What are some good ideas for serving a feast?
For a Fiesta:Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, and a side of guacamole and chips. What is my go-to Mexican dinner?
For a lighter meal: What is the bestWhat’s a good salad to serve with lime vinaigrette? The lightness of the salad balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly.
For a Cozy Night In:What’s a good side dish to serve with tortilla soup?
My family loves to eat this **chicken enchilada casserole** with a big bowl of pico de gallo. Side of creamy avocado. I know you and your family will love it. It’s a tradition!
What are some tips for perfecting chicken enchilada casserole?
How do I take chicken enchilada casserole to the next level?
Chicken Prep: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them. If you’re cooking your own chicken, try poaching it in chicken broth with some spices for extra flavor. I find this makes the chicken moist and delicious!
Tortilla Tips:How do you warm tortillas before assembling a casserole? This will make them more pliable and easier to work with. Is it safe to cook these in the microwave for a few seconds?
What are some variations of EnchilaWhat is your favorite enchilada sauce? You can use red, green, or even a combination of both. I love using chipotle enchilada sauce for extra kick!
What are the best cheeseUse a blend of cheeses to create more complex flavor. I like to use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack. What are some good ways to add pepper jack to a sandwich?
Baking Perfection:If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. If the inside of a tin is cooked, it will not burn. I’ve done this more times than I can count! Better safe than sorry.
Topping TemptDon’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! What are some of my favorite foods? Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. What are the best pickled jalap The possibilities are endless!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! How do you prepare a chicken enchilada casserole?
Room Temperature:Do not leave your casserole out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it is best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do you store a cooled casserole in the refrigerator? Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the casserole from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different. I find that adding a splash of water or chicken broth helps to keep it moist when reheating in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **chicken enchilada casserole** is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a pan. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a potluck party, this casserole is sure to be a hit. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking with different ingredients and toppings. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Mexican-inspired dishes for more deliciousness! Happy cooking! Let me know in the comments how your casserole turns out. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup Enchilada sauce
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Chopped onion
- 10 oz Corn tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine cooked chicken, enchilada sauce, and onion in a bowl.
- Fill each tortilla with chicken mixture and roll up.
- Place tortillas in a greased baking dish, seam-down.
- Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
