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Chicken Enchilada Casserole copycat Recipe

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

When it comes to enjoying Chicken Enchilada Casserole, the right pairings can uplift the experience.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Servings: 10
Calories: 395kcal

Equipment

  • baking dish 

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 18 corn tortillas halved
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 2 4-ounce cans chopped green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 10-ounce cans mild green enchilada sauce
  • 1 jalapeño pepper deseeded and minced
  • Kosher salt adjusted to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Begin by prepping all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smooth. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and shred that chicken.
  • If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, a simple boiled or roasted chicken will work wonders.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the jalapeño and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

  • Into the skillet, add the shredded chicken, green chilies, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Warm through for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

  • Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom. Add half of the halved tortillas in a single layer.
  • Next, spoon half the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Spread a third of the Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  • Then, repeat the layers: more tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, another layer of enchilada sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Enjoy the savory aroma as it fills your kitchen!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  • Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will help the layers hold together. Serve it topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Each forkful is sure to be a hit!

Notes

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken. It’s shredded, seasoned, and tender, saving you significant prep time.
  • Mix Up the Cheeses: Feel free to play with cheeses! Try adding Pepper Jack for some extra heat or cheddar for a classic Mexican taste.
  • Add Veggies: Consider sneaking in some veggies. Black beans, bell peppers, or corn can add not just nutrition but extra flavor, too.
  • Don’t Overcook the Tortillas: When layering, don’t double the tortillas as they can become soggy. You want a perfect texture!
  • Let it Rest: Allow the casserole a few minutes to set before serving. This helps the pieces hold together for that picture-perfect presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 169g | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24.6g | Saturated Fat: 11.4g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 728mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g
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