Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty family meal. This recipe layers tender shredded chicken with creamy, seasoned sauces, green chilis, and gooey Mexican blend cheese between corn tortillas. Baked to perfection, it’s topped with a golden layer of melted cheese and served with optional garnishes like fresh green onions.
This casserole combines classic Tex-Mex flavors in an easy-to-make format, ideal for dinner gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Pair it with sides like refried beans and Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
½ cup sour cream
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can chopped green chilis
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken shredded
2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
12 corn tortillas
Instructions
Step 1:
Shred 4 cups of chicken, no skin-just meat
Preheat the oven to 350*
Step 2:
Using a 9×9 baking pan, lightly spray with cooking oil
Lay down 6 corn tortillas as the bottom layer
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl mix the condensed cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, green chilis, milk, onion powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Combine well
Place a layer of the shredded chicken on top of the tortillas
Step 4:
Spoon and spread half of the soup mix over the chicken
Sprinkle half of the Mexican Blend shredded cheese on top of the soup mixture
Step 5:
Place the remaining 6 corn tortillas on top of the cheese,
Spread the remaining shredded chicken over the tortillas
Step 6:
Spread the remainder of the soup mixture over the chicken
Sprinkle 1 cup of Mexican Blend shredded cheese over the soup mixture
Step 7:
Bake for 40 minutes or until the top layer of cheese is hot and bubbly, and slightly golden brown
Remove from the oven and let sit for 20 minutes
Step 8:
Garnish the top with freshly chopped green onions, if you like
Serve with refried beans and Mexican Rice
Enjoy!
Notes:
Ingredients: This casserole uses simple yet flavorful ingredients such as sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, green chilis, and Mexican blend cheese, along with common spices like onion powder and garlic powder. These ingredients combine to create a creamy and savory dish.
Preparation: Shred 4 cups of cooked chicken and prepare a creamy sauce mixture using condensed soup, sour cream, green chilis, and spices. Layer corn tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, creating a satisfying Tex-Mex flavor profile.
Assembly: The casserole is assembled in layers, ensuring that each bite is filled with chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness. Corn tortillas act as a base and layers between the chicken and sauce mixture, providing texture and structure to the dish.
Baking: Bake the assembled casserole at 350°F for about 40 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Allowing the casserole to rest after baking ensures it sets properly and makes serving easier.
Garnish and Serving: Garnish the finished casserole with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve with traditional sides like refried beans and Mexican rice to complete the meal.
Variations: This recipe is versatile; you can customize it by adjusting the spice level, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or using different types of cheese according to your preference.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it convenient for busy days or meal prepping.
Leftovers: Leftovers of this casserole refrigerate well and can be reheated for quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: It’s a family-friendly dish that appeals to both adults and children due to its creamy texture and familiar flavors.
Comfort Food: Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole offers comfort and satisfaction with its creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients.
Nutrition Information:
SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 80 | TOTAL FAT: 12g | SATURATED FAT: 6g | TRANS FAT: 6g | CHOLESTEROL: 140mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 120g | SUGAR: 18g | PROTEIN: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas if you prefer. They will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will work well in the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.
When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the cooking instructions in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese based on your preference.
While the recipe calls for Mexican blend shredded cheese, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese that melts well.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! If you want to add some vegetables, you can include diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or black beans to the shredded chicken layer.
Just make sure to cook the vegetables beforehand if needed.
Is there a substitute for condensed cream of chicken soup?
Yes, if you prefer not to use condensed cream of chicken soup, you can make a homemade creamy sauce using a roux (butter and flour) and chicken broth, then adding some milk or sour cream for creaminess.
There are also canned alternatives like cream of mushroom soup that can work as a substitute.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of shredding my own chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add more spice to the casserole, you can use diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
You can also use spicy shredded cheese or hot sauce to increase the heat.