Golden Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy chicken enchilada casserole that blends zesty Mexican flavors and creamy textures.

Layers of tender shredded chicken mingle with melted cheese and soft tortillas in a delightful culinary experience.

Warm spices dance through each bite, creating a mouthwatering dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients come together in this hearty meal.

Every forkful delivers rich, bold flavors that transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Mexico.

The recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that sparks joy around the dinner table.

Prepare to savor every delicious moment of this irresistible casserole.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender protein base providing hearty texture and satisfying flavor for the casserole.
• Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas create delicious layered structure and authentic Mexican-style foundation.
• Enchilada Sauce: Vibrant sauce delivering rich, tangy flavor and moisture throughout the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty, creamy topping that creates golden-brown crispy surface and enhances overall richness.
• Sour Cream: Optional cool, tangy garnish that balances the warmth of the casserole.
• Guacamole: Optional creamy accompaniment adding fresh, zesty complement to the baked dish.

• Green Chiles: Adds mild heat and authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides depth and traditional Mexican cooking essence.
• Chili Powder: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish offering bright, clean flavor contrast.
• Green Onions: Mild onion garnish providing crisp texture and subtle sharpness.

Tools You’ll Need for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing chicken and seasonings thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for layering casserole ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning enchilada sauce and cheese.
• Cheese Grater: Needed if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Sharp Knife: Used for chopping green onions and cilantro as garnish.
• Spatula or Mixing Spoon: Helps combine chicken mixture evenly.

Cooking Chicken Enchilada Casserole with Ease

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray or oil rub to prevent sticking.

• Create the Flavor Base

In a big mixing bowl, toss together shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, green chiles, and spices. Stir until everything is beautifully coated and smelling amazing.

• Build Your Casserole Tower

Start by spreading a thin sauce layer on the bottom of the dish. Layer tortillas to create a delicious foundation. Pile on the spiced chicken mixture, then sprinkle a generous handful of cheese. Repeat these layers, making sure the top gets a final drizzle of sauce and a cheese crown.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and let it bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, about 10-15 more minutes.

• Dress and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole if you’re feeling extra fancy. Dig in and enjoy your culinary creation!

Flavor Swaps for Your Enchilada Casserole

• Cozy Kitchen Secrets: Make Your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Shine
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use a blend of Mexican cheese like monterey jack and cheddar for deeper, richer flavor profiles that melt beautifully and create irresistible cheesy layers.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, shredded beef, or pulled pork for exciting protein variations that keep the dish flexible and delicious for different preferences.
• Low-Carb Champion: Substitute corn tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower tortillas or use zucchini strips to create a keto-friendly version without losing authentic southwestern taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce; add extra diced jalapeños for adventurous palates or remove them completely for sensitive taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate – simply bake when ready to serve for stress-free meal planning.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Casserole Right

• Fiesta Feast Companions: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in zesty lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Mexican-Inspired Side Kick: Prepare Mexican-style rice with black beans and corn to complement the rich, cheesy casserole flavors.
• Cool & Creamy Toppers: Add generous spoonfuls of fresh guacamole, tangy sour cream, and chopped cilantro to enhance each delicious bite.
• Spice It Up Station: Offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side for guests who love an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Keeping Chicken Enchilada Casserole Ready for Later

• Fridge Storage Shield: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Prepare the entire casserole, cover securely with freezer-safe wrap, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Reheating Magic Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore the entire dish's crispy top by baking in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra enchilada sauce to prevent drying.
• Portion and Prep Hack: Divide the casserole into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. These premade portions make meal planning a breeze and save time during busy weekdays.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken enchilada casserole brings layers of spicy, cheesy goodness to family dinner tables. Hearty ingredients combine with zesty seasonings for a comforting meal that will satisfy hungry guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (24 oz/720 ml) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 2 cups (8 oz/480 ml) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack mix)
• 2 cups (480 ml) enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• 1 can (4 oz/113 g) diced green chiles
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sliced green onions
• Sour cream or guacamole (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly blend shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to create a robust, well-seasoned mixture.
3. Base Layer: Spread a thin enchilada sauce layer across the dish bottom, establishing a moisture-rich foundation.
4. First Assembly: Create the initial layer by arranging tortillas to completely cover the sauce, allowing slight overlaps for comprehensive coverage.
5. Initial Filling: Evenly distribute half the seasoned chicken mixture over the tortillas, ensuring consistent flavor distribution and complete coverage.
6. Cheese Integration: Sprinkle the first generous cheese layer, creating a rich, melting intermediate stratum.
7. Secondary Layering: Repeat the process with additional tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, and another substantial cheese coating to build depth and complexity.
8. Final Composition: Top with a final tortilla layer, thoroughly saturating with remaining enchilada sauce to ensure complete moisture.
9. Cheese Finale: Crown the casserole with a complete cheese blanket, maximizing potential for golden, bubbling perfection.
10. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and effervescent.
11. Resting and Serving: Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes for flavor melding, then garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional sour cream or guacamole to elevate visual and taste experience.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Spread a thin enchilada sauce layer first to prevent dry tortillas and create a perfect flavor foundation.
• Control Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese generously but evenly to ensure consistent melting and rich flavor throughout each bite.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for versatile dietary adaptations and personal preferences.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set and make cutting and serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg