Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Published: 1 Mar 2025

A Comforting Mexican Delight for the Whole Family

Looking for a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor? This Chicken Enchilada Casserole brings the best of Mexican cuisine to your table in a hassle-free, one-pan recipe. With layers of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and rich enchilada sauce, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for a few days.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend family gathering, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole has become a go-to recipe because it’s ridiculously easy to make yet incredibly delicious. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, hearty, and loved by both kids and adults. What’s not to love about warm tortillas, savory chicken, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce?

Additionally, this casserole is incredibly versatile! You can customize it based on your preferences — from adjusting the spice level to adding extra vegetables, there’s plenty of room to make this recipe your own. It also reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for meal prep.

Full Recipe

Ingredients (Scale Options)

Ingredient	Small (2 Servings)	Medium (4 Servings)	Large (8 Servings)
Shredded Cooked Chicken	1 cup	2 cups	4 cups
Enchilada Sauce (red or green)	1/2 cup	1 cup	2 cups
Corn Tortillas	4 tortillas	8 tortillas	16 tortillas
Shredded Cheddar Cheese	1 cup	2 cups	4 cups
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese	1 cup	2 cups	4 cups
Diced Onion	1/4 cup	1/2 cup	1 cup
Sour Cream	2 tbsp	4 tbsp	8 tbsp
Olive Oil (for sautéing)	1 tsp	2 tsp	4 tsp
Ground Cumin	1/2 tsp	1 tsp	2 tsp
Chili Powder	1/2 tsp	1 tsp	2 tsp
Salt and Pepper	To taste	To taste	To taste
Optional Toppings (cilantro, jalapeños, olives, etc.)	As desired	As desired	As desired

Recipe Method

Step=1 Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and becomes nice and bubbly on top.

Step=2 Cook the Chicken:

Shred your cooked chicken with a fork. You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time or cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or the oven and shred them. The more shredded the chicken, the better it absorbs the flavors of the sauce and spices!

Step=3 Sauté the Onions:

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.

Step=5 Mix the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Stir in sour cream for a creamy texture and additional richness. This mixture will be the heart of your casserole!

Step=6 Assemble the Casserole:

Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Begin by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place the first layer of tortillas (you can cut them to fit the dish if needed). Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, and top with 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat the layering with tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.

Step=7 Bake:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step=8 Serve:

Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch!

Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to elevate the flavor? Try toasting your tortillas in a hot skillet for a minute on each side before layering them in the casserole. This adds a subtle smokiness and extra crunch to each bite!

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Small (2 Servings)	Medium (4 Servings)	Large (8 Servings)
Calories	350	350	350
Protein (g)	27	27	27
Total Fat (g)	18	18	18
Saturated Fat (g)	8	8	8
Cholesterol (mg)	75	75	75
Carbohydrates (g)	24	24	24
Dietary Fiber (g)	2	2	2
Sugars (g)	4	4	4
Sodium (mg)	800	800	800

Note: Nutritional values are approximations based on standard ingredients. These can vary depending on your specific brand choices.

Variations & Customizations

Spicy Kick:
If you like extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or topping the casserole with sliced jalapeños before baking. You could also use a spicier enchilada sauce, such as one with green chilies, for added zest.
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version. This makes it just as hearty without the meat!
Gluten-Free:
Use corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free, to ensure the casserole is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Toppings:
Get creative with toppings! Try adding sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of lime juice for a fresh burst of flavor on each bite.

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal – cheesy, savory, and satisfying. It’s not only an easy weeknight dinner, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers. The rich enchilada sauce and melty cheese give this casserole the kind of flavor that everyone loves, while the shredded chicken keeps it hearty and filling. You can make it ahead of time, freeze it, and enjoy it whenever you need a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

3. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works great in this casserole. Simply cook the meat in a skillet before mixing it with the other ingredients.

4. Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely! For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.

5. What should I serve with Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
This casserole pairs perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad with a zesty lime dressing. For a more indulgent meal, serve with crispy tortilla chips and guacamole.

Ready to Try This Delicious Chicken Enchilada Casserole?

Get cooking today and treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next family gathering, this casserole will not disappoint.

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below to let us know how your Chicken Enchilada Casserole turned out. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more of our delicious and easy-to-follow recipes!

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Happy cooking! 🌶️🧀🍽️