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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with light grease to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
- Combine shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, introducing aromatic spices like cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base.
- Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent and soft, then integrate them into the seasoned chicken mixture for added depth.
- Gently warm tortillas to increase flexibility, preventing cracking during assembly.
- Create a thin sauce foundation in the baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance overall moisture.
- 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.
- Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce across the top layer, ensuring complete coverage, and crown with a final cheese blanket.
- 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.
- 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