If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese in perfect harmony, this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients with easy steps to create a baked masterpiece bursting with traditional Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole delivers hearty satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe, you’ll use just a handful of essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the savory shredded chicken to the tangy sour cream, every element plays a vital role in bringing this casserole together beautifully.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Already cooked and flavorful, it saves time and adds tender, juicy meat to the dish.
- Green Enchilada Sauce (28-oz can): Provides a zesty, slightly spicy base that infuses the casserole with authentic Mexican taste.
- Sour Cream (1½ cups): Adds creaminess and a touch of tang that balances the bold flavors perfectly.
- Corn Tortillas (10 pieces): When torn into bite-sized pieces, they soak up sauce and add a wonderful texture without being heavy.
- Mexican Cheese Blend (4 cups shredded): Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and spraying a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will brown evenly, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Remove the skin from your rotisserie chicken and discard it. Then, carefully shred or chop the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. Having the chicken pre-cooked is one of the secrets that keeps this recipe quick and fuss-free without sacrificing flavor.
Step 3: Tear the Tortillas
Tear your corn tortillas into manageable bite-sized chunks. This helps them absorb the saucy layers better during baking and creates a nice texture that’s less dense than whole tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Layer half of the chopped chicken in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the green enchilada sauce evenly over the chicken, followed by half of the sour cream dolloped on top. Scatter half of the torn tortillas over the sour cream, and finally sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Then, repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to build a layered, luscious casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld while the tortillas soften. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes so the cheese can bubble and develop a golden crust. This final step gives the casserole a beautifully inviting finish.
How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of extra sour cream to brighten up the rich layers. A sprinkle of diced avocado or a few jalapeño slices also add exciting texture and an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides such as a crisp garden salad, Mexican street corn salad, or even a light black bean and corn salsa. These help balance the richness and round out your meal with vibrant, fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets straight from the oven. This adds a cozy, rustic touch and keeps servings warm longer. You could also layer the casserole in a large glass dish to showcase its colorful layers, creating an irresistible presentation for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a ready-to-go dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe wrap or place it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating in the microwave, cover it loosely and heat in intervals to maintain the moisture and avoid drying out the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and black beans for a tasty vegetarian twist that still captures the casserole’s signature flavors.
What if I don’t have green enchilada sauce?
You can substitute with red enchilada sauce, salsa verde, or even a combination of salsa and additional seasoning. Each variation will offer a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Can I add extra spice to the casserole?
For those who love heat, add chopped jalapeños to the layers or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the sauce. Serving with spicy hot sauce on the side is also an easy way to customize the heat level.
How can I make the casserole less creamy?
If you prefer a less creamy texture, reduce the amount of sour cream or try using a lighter variety. You could also swap it for Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier option.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is one of those heartwarming meals that brings people together, full of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. It’s effortless enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Once you try it, this dish will likely become a beloved staple in your recipe collection, ready to brighten up any meal with its delicious layers.
Print
Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Enchilada Casserole featuring layers of tender rotisserie chicken, tangy green enchilada sauce, creamy sour cream, corn tortillas, and melted Mexican cheese blend baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 rotisserie chicken
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 (28-oz) can green enchilada sauce
- 1½ cups sour cream
Tortillas & Cheese
- 10 corn tortillas
- 4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and discard it. Then remove the meat from the bones and chop the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Tear Tortillas: Tear the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces to create layers that cook evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the chopped chicken, followed by half of the green enchilada sauce, then half of the sour cream, half of the torn tortillas, and finally half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- Use fresh rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor; leftover cooked chicken works as well.
- Green enchilada sauce adds a tangy and mildly spicy flavor; choose mild or hot based on preference.
- Corn tortillas provide authentic texture and flavor but flour tortillas could be substituted if desired.
- For a creamier casserole, you can mix the sour cream with a little milk before layering.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
