A chicken enchilada casserole combines the best of two comforting cuisines into one delicious oven-baked dish. By layering tortillas, cheese, chicken and enchilada sauce then baking, you get a warm, hearty meal fit for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Overview of Recipe
This cassorole is made with shredded or diced cooked chicken, flour or corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and toppings like cheese, peppers and onions. The ingredients are assembled in a baking dish and baked until piping hot and bubbly.
Key Benefits
One major perk is this recipe serves a crowd easily. Plus, the blend of Mexican spices and comforting casserole style make it incredibly satisfying. Best of all, most of the components can be prepped ahead of time for stress-free baking when needed.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Seasonings: 1 tsp each oregano, cumin, chili powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Pre-cook the chicken by boiling, baking or sautéing until fully cooked. Dice bell pepper and onion.
Assembly:
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Pour 1/3 cup enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the dish.
Make the Layers:
Layer 4-5 tortillas over the sauce, trimming as needed to fit. Top with 1/3 each of chicken, peppers, onions and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat layers twice more.
Bake:
Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 mins. Uncover and bake 10 more mins until hot and bubbly.
Serve:
Let stand 10 mins before slicing and serving. Garnish with sour cream, green onions, avocado or olives if desired. Pairs nicely with Spanish rice or refried beans on the side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
- Per 1/6 of the casserole: 370 calories, 16g fat, 35g protein, 25g carbs, 7g fiber
- Great source of vitamins, minerals and whole grains from the veggies and tortillas. Protein packed meal to fuel your day!
In summary, chicken enchilada casserole makes weeknight cooking easy with its simple assembly and hands-off baking. The blend of warm spices, vibrant toppings and creamy ingredients result in a satisfying meal to suit nearly any palate. Whether packing for game day potlucks or jazzing up midweek menus, this satisfying supper is sure to become a new staple.