Chicken Enchilada Cheese Casserole (Print version)
A comforting, cheesy Mexican-style bake featuring tender chicken and zesty sauce.
# What you need:
→ Chicken & Protein
01 - 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
→ Sauce & Dairy
02 - 2 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
03 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
04 - 1/2 cup sour cream
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
06 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
→ Base & Garnish
08 - 12 small corn tortillas
09 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
10 - Sliced jalapeños
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, 1 cup enchilada sauce, 1 cup shredded cheese, sour cream, corn, onion, green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
03 - Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
04 - Arrange 4 corn tortillas on top of the sauce, allowing them to slightly overlap.
05 - Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas.
06 - Drizzle 1/2 cup enchilada sauce over the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheese.
07 - Repeat the layering process: 4 tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, 1/2 cup enchilada sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese.
08 - Place the remaining 4 tortillas on top. Cover with the remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with the final 1/2 cup of cheese.
09 - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10 - Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and extra sour cream if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It transforms simple ingredients into a rich and comforting meal that feels like a hug.
- The layers of melted cheese and zesty sauce create a perfect harmony in every bite.
02 -
- Always let the casserole rest for ten minutes after baking so the layers set.
- Putting sauce on the very bottom prevents the tortillas from drying out.
03 -
- Using a store bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Taste your sauce before adding it as some brands are spicier than others.