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