Zesty Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering chicken enchilada casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a culinary masterpiece that satisfies deep hunger.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your palate with each delicious bite.

Creamy and rich, this dish promises to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Spices blend seamlessly, turning simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Warm tortillas wrapped around seasoned chicken make every forkful irresistible.

What Makes Chicken Enchilada Casserole a Family Favorite

• Savor Layered Flavors: Packed with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and green chiles, this casserole offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that dance on your palate with every bite.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this dish a go-to for busy families seeking a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your family's preferences, making this recipe flexible and perfect for accommodating different taste buds and dietary needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combining protein, vegetables, and cheese in a single baking dish means less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious, comforting meal together.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded meat that provides the primary protein base for the casserole.
• Green Chiles: Adds a mild, tangy flavor and complements the chicken.

• Black Beans, Corn, Onion: Provides texture, sweetness, and additional nutritional value to the dish.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.

• Tomato Sauce, Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, smooth base for the enchilada sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle depth of flavor.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt: Provides warm, spicy, and savory seasoning to the dish.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Tortillas: Serves as the structural layer between the chicken and sauce.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and a golden, bubbly top to the casserole.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Craft The Magical Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet and transform onions with a sprinkle of salt until they become soft and translucent.

• Garlic
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Dust with flour, then gently pour in tomato sauce and chicken stock.

Let this delicious mixture simmer and thicken for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare The Chicken Medley

• Shredded chicken
• Green chiles
• Black beans
• Corn

Sprinkle with salt and mix until everything is beautifully blended.

Step 4: Build The Casserole Layers

Grease your casserole dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce as the foundation.

• Tortillas
• Chicken mixture
• Cheese
• Sauce

Repeat these layers, making sure to crown the top with a generous cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden and the edges are bubbly with cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Shred chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich, deep flavors and achieve the perfect thickness.
• Use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for maximum melting and flavor complexity.
• Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your preferred heat and taste profile.

Variations on Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and replace flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Spicy Mexican Kick: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, or mix in chipotle peppers for extra heat and smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas with thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice as a base layer to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this sizzling casserole with vibrant sides that complement its rich, zesty flavors.
• Cool and Creamy Companion: Top with fresh sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado for a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy dish.
• Southwest Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and a light lime vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole.
• Taco Night Twist: Offer extra tortilla chips, pico de gallo, and jalapeños on the side for guests who love customizing their meal with additional toppings and heat.

How to Store Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have some on hand?

You can replace black beans with pinto beans, swap corn with bell peppers, use Greek yogurt instead of cheese, and substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and replace flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour when thickening the sauce.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, increase the amount of chili powder, use hot sauce, or include cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chicken enchilada casserole delivers layers of cheesy, spicy comfort perfect for family dinners. Warm tortillas, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Dry and Canned Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas (6 inches)
• 15 ounces black beans (drained, rinsed)
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring a perfectly warmed cooking environment.
2. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté chopped onions with a pinch of salt until translucent. Introduce minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, creating a fragrant base. Dust with flour and gradually incorporate tomato sauce and chicken stock, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and thicken for 10 minutes.
3. Combine shredded chicken with diced green chiles, black beans, corn, and a touch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl, blending flavors and textures.
4. Lightly grease a casserole dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom. Construct layered stacks alternating between soft tortillas, prepared chicken mixture, generous cheese portions, and additional sauce. Continue building layers, culminating with a crowning cheese topping.
5. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface indicating the dish is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or spicy green chiles to suit personal taste preferences.
• Swap traditional tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower tortillas or use corn tortillas for gluten-free version.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or extra black beans for vegetarian adaptation or increased nutritional value.
• Prep ahead by assembling casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight cooking easier.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 403 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 737 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg