Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Easy & Cheesy Mexican Dinner

Craving Comfort Food? This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is Your Answer!

Picture this: layers of cheesy, saucy goodness with tender chicken, all baked to bubbly perfection. This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make and impressive enough for any occasion. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love It

• Bursting with flavor: The combination of savory chicken, tangy enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
• Super easy to assemble: This casserole comes together in minutes with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Perfect for crowds: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a get-together, this casserole is always a hit.
• Comfort food at its finest: It’s warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to leave you feeling happy and full.
• Customizable to your liking: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite toppings and spice levels.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This isn’t just any enchilada casserole. What sets this recipe apart is the use of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken which saves time and adds an incredible flavor. Additionally, the layering technique ensures that every bite is loaded with all the delicious elements, resulting in a perfectly balanced and satisfying dish. We also utilize a blend of different cheeses, making every bite extra cheesy.

Ingredient List

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) can of red enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (10 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (Rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 1 (10 count) package of corn tortillas (Corn tortillas add authentic flavor and texture)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, red enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and stir in the cream of chicken soup and the shredded chicken. Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
5. Lightly soften corn tortillas either by microwaving them for 30 seconds between paper towels, or quickly dipping them in the sauce.
6. Begin layering the casserole in the prepared baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom. Top with a layer of slightly overlapping corn tortillas.
7. Spread half of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas and then top with half of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Repeat another layer of softened tortillas.
8. Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the second layer of tortillas. Finally, sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Take your casserole to the next level with these delicious options:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy finish.
• Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or sliced green onions on top for added freshness and flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Garnish with slices of avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
• Black Olives: Top with sliced black olives for a salty and briny flavor.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Add some heat with some slices of pickled jalapeños.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip softening the tortillas! This prevents them from getting too hard in the casserole and makes them easier to layer.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add incredible flavor to the dish.
• Don’t overbake the casserole. Baking it until the cheese is melted and bubbly is just right to prevent it from becoming dry.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• For best results, use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. However, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses such as pepper jack or asadero.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
  

  Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor and texture. If using flour tortillas, they do not need to be pre-softened.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
  

  Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

• Can I freeze this casserole?
  

  Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, but add approximately 30 minutes to the cooking time, or until heated through and bubbly.

• What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
  

  You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or even make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.

• Can I make this vegetarian?
  

  Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.

Variations and Customization Options

Customize this casserole to your liking with these variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or use a hot enchilada sauce for a spicier version.
• Creamy Enchilada: Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese in between the layers for extra richness.
• Veggie Loaded: Include your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a more nutritious dish.
• Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with shredded beef, pork, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheeses such as pepper jack, Oaxaca, or queso fresco.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is delicious served on its own, but you can also pair it with some sides. Try serving it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or some fresh guacamole and tortilla chips. It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

Conclusion

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect meal for those nights when you want something comforting, delicious, and easy. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying. We promise you’ll love it! So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your photos and let us know what you think in the comments. Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes!

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