Chicken Enchilada Casserole (35 Minutes)

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of a chicken enchilada casserole, a hearty dish that brings together the essence of traditional enchiladas in an easy-to-make casserole form. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and tortillas, resulting in a yummy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The layers of chicken and tortillas soaked in the rich enchilada sauce create a delicious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For serving (optional):

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced avocado
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken with half of the enchilada sauce, diced onion, diced green chilies (if using), and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  4. Place 4 corn tortillas on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish.
  5. Spoon half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.
  6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining 4 tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and the remaining shredded cheese.
  7. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top layer of cheese.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

To save time, use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe and adds extra flavor). Feel free to customize the filling by adding additional ingredients such as black beans, corn kernels, or sautéed bell peppers. If you prefer a crispy top layer, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/chicken-enchilada-casserole-35-minutes/