Description
Mexican chicken enchilada casserole combines layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, melted cheese, and spicy sauce for a comforting meal. Home cooks can easily prepare this hearty dish that brings authentic southwestern flavors to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Sauce and Spices:
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Combine shredded chicken with finely chopped onion, diced green chiles, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of flavors.
- Create a thin base layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance moisture.
- Arrange the first layer of tortillas completely covering the sauce, creating a uniform foundation for the casserole.
- Distribute one-third of the seasoned chicken mixture evenly across the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, carefully stacking tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese to build depth and texture.
- Top the final layer with a complete coverage of cheese, ensuring maximum golden-brown melting potential.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and develops a rich, golden color.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Swap tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas for a celiac-friendly version that keeps the authentic Mexican flavor profile.
- Reduce cheese quantity by half and use low-fat Mexican cheese blend for a lighter, heart-healthy alternative without compromising taste.
- Boost protein content by adding black beans or quinoa to the chicken mixture, creating a more nutritionally balanced one-pan meal.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot green chiles depending on personal spice tolerance and family preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg