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There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with the joy of home-cooked goodness. This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect meal to gather everyone around the table for a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a celebration every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe combines the best of Mexican-inspired flavors with the ease of a baked casserole to make your mealtime effortless and unforgettable.
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The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole that layers tender chicken, black beans, corn, tortillas, and melted Mexican cheese with enchilada sauce. Perfect for easy family dinners.
Ingredients
1/2 large yellow onion
1 medium red bell pepper
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
12 ounces cooked chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (4.5-ounce) can diced green chiles
2 (10-ounce) cans enchilada sauce, divided
18 (5- to 6-inch) corn tortillas, divided
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (12 ounces), divided
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped
1/4 cup sliced black olives, drained
1/3 cup Mexican crema
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place rack in middle.
2. Dice onion and bell pepper. Rinse and drain black beans and corn.
3. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
4. Cook onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add chicken, black beans, corn, diced green chiles, stir and cook 5 minutes.
6. Add 1.5 cans enchilada sauce to skillet, stir, remove from heat. Reserve 1/2 cup sauce.
7. Spread reserved sauce in 9×13 baking dish.
8. Layer 6 tortillas overlapping on bottom.
9. Top with 1/3 filling and 1 cup cheese.
10. Repeat layers two more times.
11. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese melts and sauce bubbles.
12. Dice tomato and chop cilantro.
13. Remove casserole, top with tomato, olives, drizzle crema, garnish with cilantro.
14. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, use fresh shredded cheese.
You can substitute rotisserie chicken.
Lightly toast tortillas for less sogginess.
Add extra diced green chiles or hot sauce for more heat.
Make ahead and refrigerate; add extra baking time if cold.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create this delightful casserole, broken down into clear sections for your convenience:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large yellow onion | 1/2 |
| Medium red bell pepper | 1 |
| Black beans (canned) | 1 (about 15 ounces), drained |
| Corn kernels (canned) | 1 (about 15 ounces), drained |
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 12 ounces (about 3 cups) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Diced green chiles (canned) | 1 (4.5 ounces) |
| Enchilada sauce (canned) | 2 (10-ounce) cans, divided |
| Corn tortillas | 18 (5 to 6 inches), divided |
| Shredded Mexican cheese blend | 3 cups (12 ounces), divided |
| Medium tomato | 1 |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | 1/4 cup (leaves and tender stems) |
| Sliced black olives | 1/4 cup, drained |
| Mexican crema | 1/3 cup |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to make your casserole a flavor-filled success:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and place a rack in the middle.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the onion and bell pepper; cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, diced green chiles, and any juices; cook for 5 more minutes.
- Open your enchilada sauce cans. Reserve 1/2 cup of sauce. Add the rest to the skillet and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Spread the reserved sauce onto the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Lay 6 tortillas overlapping on the dish bottom. Spoon 1/3 of the chicken mixture evenly over tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top.
- Repeat layering tortillas, chicken filling, and cheese two more times.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce bubbles.
- Dice the tomato and finely chop cilantro while baking.
- Remove casserole from oven. Sprinkle the top with tomato, olives, drizzle crema, and garnish with cilantro.
- Cut into squares and serve your crowd-pleaser hot.
Tips and Tricks for Perfection
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese for the best melty texture and flavor.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- If you want more heat, add extra diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce.
- Corn tortillas can be lightly toasted in a skillet to avoid sogginess.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate; just bake an extra 10 minutes if reheating from cold.
Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
This casserole has the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of smoky heat from the green chiles. It’s easy to prepare in just one skillet and a baking dish, saving you time and dishes. The layers create a delightful texture contrast while the colorful veggies and fresh herbs brighten every bite. You’ll love the hearty, satisfying feeling it gives, especially on cozy family nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas as in this recipe keeps it naturally gluten-free, just ensure all canned items and sauce are certified gluten-free.
What can I substitute for Mexican crema?
You can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar tangy creaminess.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if still cold.
Conclusion
Ready to dive into a cheesy, comforting meal that’s sure to become your go-to dinner? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and make this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole tonight. Experience the joy of a homemade Mexican-inspired feast that everyone will ask for again and again!