Description
This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, comforting Mexican-inspired layered bake perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Tender shredded chicken combined with creamy enchilada sauce, spices, and melted cheese piled between corn tortillas creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce (for layering and topping)
- 10 small corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced black olives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup enchilada sauce, sour cream, diced green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble casserole layers: Spread ½ cup of the remaining enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the tortilla pieces evenly over the sauce, then spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Drizzle with a little enchilada sauce on top of the chicken layer. Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture to form a second layer.
- Top and prepare for baking: Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the assembled casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the casserole’s surface.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, and cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, or green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- This casserole is perfect for meal prepping and freezes well for future meals.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- For added texture and nutrition, include beans or corn in the chicken mixture.
