Description
This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a quick and easy weeknight meal packed with shredded chicken, cheesy layers, and flavorful enchilada sauce. It’s a saucy, cheesy tortilla casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a comforting Mexican-inspired dish that’s simple to assemble and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
Casserole Layers
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 10 corn tortillas, torn into quarters
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with 1/2 cup enchilada sauce, sour cream, ground cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish lightly. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of torn corn tortillas over the sauce, followed by a thin layer of sauce, then spoon on some of the chicken mixture and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering torn tortillas, sauce, chicken mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set, then slice and serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- This casserole is a fast, saucy, cheesy chicken enchilada dish designed for easy weeknight meals.
- Use warm tortillas for easier layering and folding if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Feel free to add sliced jalapeños or chopped onions for extra flavor and spice.
- Customize cheese types or add black beans corn for more texture and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 424 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1942 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
