Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Creamy and hearty chicken enchilada casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of melted cheese and tender chicken create a mouthwatering experience.

Authentic Mexican flavors dance through each delicious bite.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly.

Weeknight dinners just got much more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Spice lovers and mild-flavor fans will both find something to celebrate.

Serve this casserole and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes Chicken Enchilada Casserole a Crowd-Pleaser

• Conquer Family Dinner: This casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone from picky kids to hungry adults with minimal kitchen stress.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Layer ingredients quickly without complicated techniques, making it perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for ground beef, add extra spices, or include different vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Maximize Leftovers: Enjoy this dish the next day as flavors meld together, creating an even more delicious meal that saves time on busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that provides the hearty base for the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft, traditional base that adds texture and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce: Spicy and rich sauce that brings moisture and depth to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and add rich, tangy flavor.
• Onion: Fresh and sharp ingredient that provides a zesty undertone to the dish.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the casserole.

Instructions for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious chicken enchilada casserole adventure.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

Generously spread enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: First Tortilla Layer

Carefully arrange a layer of tortillas directly on top of the sauce, covering the entire surface evenly.

Step 4: Build the First Flavor Level

• Shredded chicken
• Diced onions
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Step 5: Drizzle More Sauce

Pour another generous helping of enchilada sauce over the first layer, ensuring every bite will be moist and delicious.

Step 6: Repeat the Layering Magic

Duplicate the previous layering process with tortillas, chicken, onions, and both types of cheese, creating delicious depth in your casserole.

Step 7: Crown the Casserole

Top the final layer with tortillas, drizzle with remaining sauce, and sprinkle an extra handful of cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a gorgeous, melted golden blanket.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top just before serving, adding a burst of fresh flavor to your mouthwatering creation.

Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut to shred meat effortlessly.
• Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture in your casserole.
• Add diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat and flavor kick.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat within 3-4 days for best taste.
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months by covering tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted bell peppers, and corn for a hearty plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Enchilada Bake: Swap tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini layers to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk-based enchilada sauce for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Green Chile Chicken Casserole: Add diced green chiles and jalapeños to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Night Centerpiece: Serve this enchilada casserole as the star of your dinner table, surrounded by vibrant side dishes like Mexican rice and fresh guacamole for a complete meal celebration.
• Potluck Party Superstar: Transport this casserole in a covered dish to gatherings, where it will wow friends with its layers of cheesy, saucy goodness and easy-to-serve format.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal: Cut into generous squares and pair with a crisp green salad for a quick, satisfying dinner that brings Mexican-inspired flavors right to your family's plate.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches, keeping the casserole's delicious taste intact and providing a hassle-free meal option throughout the week.

Storage Tips for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover chicken enchilada casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for maximum 2 months in a freezer-safe dish with tight-fitting lid.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work perfectly and add an authentic Mexican flavor to the casserole.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the enchilada sauce you choose. Use mild sauce for less spice or add jalapeños for extra kick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken enchilada casserole delivers authentic Mexican comfort on a single baking sheet. Layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, melted cheese, and zesty sauce promise a delicious meal for family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Tortilla and Sauce:

• 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Create a foundational layer by spreading enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Arrange the first set of tortillas uniformly over the sauce, creating a stable base for the subsequent ingredients.
4. Distribute the first portion of shredded chicken, diced onions, and a blend of cheeses evenly across the tortilla layer.
5. Drizzle an additional layer of enchilada sauce to enhance moisture and flavor profile.
6. Repeat the layering process, carefully stacking tortillas, chicken, onions, and cheeses to build depth and complexity.
7. Complete the casserole with a final layer of tortillas, generously coating with remaining sauce and sprinkling cheese on top.
8. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, adding a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy enchilada sauce depending on personal preference.
• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring a safe and delicious meal.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method that saves time without compromising flavor.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or plant-based protein alternatives for added nutrition and variety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg