Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
When it comes to enjoying Chicken Enchilada Casserole, the right pairings can uplift the experience.
Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Servings: 10
Calories: 395kcal
- 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
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 6: Serve and Garnish
- 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.
Serving: 169g | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24.6g | Saturated Fat: 11.4g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 728mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g