Quick & Zesty Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

My grandma’s hearty chicken enchilada casserole represents pure comfort wrapped in layers of deliciousness.

Memories of her kitchen still dance through my mind whenever I assemble this dish.

Warm tortillas, tender shredded chicken, and melted cheese create a magical combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Generations of my family have savored this recipe, passing down its simple yet incredible flavors.

Spices whisper stories of tradition with every bubbling bite.

Cheesy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare, this casserole might become your new favorite weeknight meal.

You’ll want to dig in and experience the magic for yourself.

Why You’ll Crave This Enchilada Casserole

• Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings Mexican-inspired flavors right to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
• Layer ingredients easily without complicated techniques, making this casserole perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Swap ingredients like chicken for beef or vegetarian options, add extra spices, or adjust toppings to match your family's taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded and seasoned main protein for the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft and pliable base for layering the casserole.

• Enchilada Sauce: Rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce.
• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Warm and aromatic spice blend for seasoning.

• Cheese: Melty and creamy topping for the casserole.

• Onions, Cilantro, Jalapeños: Fresh and zesty garnish for added flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing onions.
• Foil: Covering for controlled baking process.

Easy Steps for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Blend

• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Boost Chicken Mixture with Sautéed Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet.

Sauté chopped onions until they turn soft and translucent.

Fold these golden onions into the chicken mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Soften Tortilla Foundations

Gently warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them flexible and easy to handle.

Step 5: Build Sauce Foundation

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.

Step 6: Create Delicious Layered Masterpiece

• Tortillas
• Seasoned chicken mixture
• Shredded cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients.

Step 7: Final Cheese and Sauce Topping

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the entire casserole.

Sprinkle a generous layer of additional cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños on top.

Serve while warm and enjoy your flavor-packed meal.

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Enchilada Bake

• Warm tortillas briefly before layering to enhance their flexibility and prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Adjust cumin and garlic powder quantities to match your heat preference, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Use a mix of shredded cheeses like monterey jack and cheddar for optimal melting and rich, creamy texture.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Substitute shredded chicken with pulled pork, ground beef, or black beans for versatile dietary needs.

How to Store and Reheat Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftover chicken enchilada casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning, then bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts beautifully.

Sides to Serve with Enchilada Casserole

• Sip Refreshing Mexican Margarita: Cut through the casserole's richness with a zesty lime margarita, balancing the dish's spicy and cheesy flavors while complementing its authentic Mexican profile.
• Pair Crisp Cerveza Companion: Select a light Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona to cool down the casserole's warmth, enhancing the meal's overall southwestern taste experience.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a bright pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add fresh, tangy contrast against the casserole's hearty, melted cheese layers.
• Serve Creamy Avocado Salad: Whip up a simple avocado salad dressed with lime and salt, providing a cool, smooth texture that cuts through the casserole's robust and spicy elements.

Enchilada Casserole Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Replace wheat tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas. Use gluten-free enchilada sauce to ensure the entire dish meets dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Bake: Swap chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. Add extra spices to boost flavor and maintain protein content.
• Low-Carb Mexican Casserole: Substitute tortillas with thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice. Use rotisserie chicken and increase cheese and spice levels to create a satisfying alternative.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Replace regular cheese with plant-based options that melt well and complement the Mexican-inspired flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shredded beef, turkey, or even pulled pork. Just ensure the meat is cooked and seasoned well before adding to the casserole.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the enchilada sauce and optional jalapeños. For a milder version, use a mild sauce and skip the jalapeños. For more heat, add extra spicy sauce or more jalapeños.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap, replace with foil, and bake as directed.

• Are corn or flour tortillas better for this recipe?

Both work well. Corn tortillas provide a more traditional Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort to dinner tables with layers of melted cheese, tender chicken, and zesty sauce. Creamy, hearty layers promise a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls, inviting you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Tortillas and Sauce:

• 10–12 corn tortillas (6-inch, warmed)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if sauteing onions)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with light grease to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. Combine shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, introducing aromatic spices like cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base.
3. Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent and soft, then integrate them into the seasoned chicken mixture for added depth.
4. Gently warm tortillas to increase flexibility, preventing cracking during assembly.
5. Create a thin sauce foundation in the baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance overall moisture.
6. Construct layers systematically: first tortillas, then generously distribute chicken mixture, followed by a liberal sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layering process until ingredients are fully utilized.
7. Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce across the top layer, ensuring complete coverage, and crown with a final cheese blanket.
8. Shield casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes for settling, then garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for vibrant color and extra kick. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Soften tortillas briefly in warm oil to prevent cracking and enhance pliability for easier rolling and layering.
• Shred chicken while still warm for easier mixing and more even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and tender texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities or using mild/hot enchilada sauce to suit different spice preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg