If you’re craving a meal that brings together layers of bold flavors, melty cheese, and tender chicken, you’ve just found your new favorite comfort food. This Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that captures the essence of classic enchiladas but in an easy-to-assemble, one-dish wonder. The combination of savory shredded chicken spiced perfectly, creamy enchilada sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese makes every bite a celebration of Tex-Mex goodness. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies with pure delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building the casserole’s delicious layers. From the rich enchilada sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful, to the fresh onions adding a touch of sweetness and the cheese delivering that irresistible melty finish, these simple components come together beautifully to create a memorable meal.
- Enchilada sauce (2.5 cups): The saucy backbone of the dish, adding moisture and that signature tangy-spicy kick.
- Flour tortillas (8 – 8 inch): Soft and pliable, perfect for layering and soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
- Chicken, shredded (2 lbs): Tender and juicy, this protein-packed component carries the taco seasoning and onion beautifully.
- Taco seasoning (¼ cup): Brings a warm and zesty blend of spices that transform simple chicken into a fiesta of flavor.
- Yellow onion, diced (½ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and slight crunch that balances the richness.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (12 ounces): Melts into a gooey golden layer, tying all the ingredients together in cheesy harmony.
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by heating up a skillet over medium-high heat and combining the shredded chicken, diced onions, taco seasoning, and a splash of water. Let these simmer together for about 5 minutes until the liquid mostly evaporates, and the chicken soaks up all those zesty flavors. This step is key for infusing the chicken with mouthwatering seasoning before layering.
Step 2: Ready the Oven and Casserole Dish
While your chicken mixture is finishing up, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease an 11×9-inch casserole dish. Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom to keep the tortillas from sticking and to add that foundational flavor in every bite.
Step 3: First Layer of Tortillas and Sauce
Lay two flour tortillas over the sauce, covering the base of your dish completely. These tortillas serve as the sturdy yet soft base for your layers, holding everything together with a tender bite.
Step 4: Add Chicken, Sauce, and Cheese Layers
Spoon one third of your seasoned chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, pour half a cup of enchilada sauce to keep things saucy, and sprinkle with a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This trio creates a perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and melty goodness that defines this casserole.
Step 5: Build Two More Layers
Repeat the layering process two more times—tortillas, chicken mixture, enchilada sauce, then cheese. Each layer deepens the flavors and builds that satisfying structure you want from any great casserole.
Step 6: Top it Off and Bake
Finish with two tortillas on top, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over them, and sprinkle the rest of the cheese to create a golden crust once baked. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Uncover and Brown the Cheese
For the final touch, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. This step lets the cheese bubble and brown into an irresistible, slightly crispy topping that adds texture and extra flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe to the next level. Try dolloping creamy sour cream, scattering chopped cilantro, or adding a few slices of ripe avocado to introduce freshness and contrast to the cheesy richness. A squeeze of lime will also brighten each bite, making every forkful an exciting, layered experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, while some Mexican rice or refried beans can make the meal even heartier. Simple corn on the cob or a zesty black bean salad are also delightful complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins to wow your guests with personalized portions. Alternatively, scoop it into warm tortilla bowls for a playful presentation. You can also garnish with colorful diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or chopped green onions to make the dish pop visually for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps really well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal planning. After cooling to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe ahead of time for busy nights, it freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well with foil and a layer of plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions or the whole casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, typically about 20-25 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave slices on medium-high for 2-3 minutes, but baking helps keep that wonderful texture and melty cheese in top form.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! While flour tortillas are traditional for their soft texture and pliability in this casserole, corn tortillas add extra authenticity and a lovely corn flavor. Just be sure to soften them lightly before layering to avoid dryness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the shredded chicken with seasoned cooked vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black beans for a vegetarian twist. Just keep the same layers of sauce and cheese for that satisfying casserole experience.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese is the classic choice here, providing sharpness and great melting properties. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or even a mix of mozzarella for a milder, more gooey texture.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes in the layers. Adjust to your preferred spice level to keep that cozy, comforting vibe with a little extra kick.
How many servings does this casserole provide?
This Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe makes about 10 generous servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or having plenty of tasty leftovers for the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that’s as comforting as it is bursting with flavor, and this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe hits every note perfectly. It’s a fantastic go-to for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want to impress without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy it is to bring a little fiesta to your table with layers of saucy, cheesy, chicken-filled goodness!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a comforting layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken cooked with taco seasoning and onions, stacked between flour tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering, delivering bold flavors and hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups Enchilada sauce
- 8 – 8 inch Flour tortillas
- 2 lbs Chicken (shredded)
- ¼ cup Taco seasoning
- ½ cup Yellow onion (diced)
- 12 ounce Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat and cook chicken mixture: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the shredded chicken, diced yellow onion, taco seasoning, and ¼ cup of water. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is heated through.
- Prepare casserole base: Grease an 11×9 inch casserole dish. Pour ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom to prevent sticking and to infuse moisture beneath the layers.
- First layer: Place two flour tortillas over the sauce so they cover the bottom of the dish. Evenly distribute one-third of the cooked chicken mixture over the tortillas. Spoon ½ cup of enchilada sauce on top of the chicken, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Create additional layers: Repeat layering two more times: tortillas, one-third of chicken mixture, ½ cup enchilada sauce, and 1 cup cheese for each layer, building up the casserole.
- Top layer assembly: After the third layer, place the final two tortillas on top. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over these tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finishing bake: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to melt completely and turn golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option if desired.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce according to your preference.
- Cheese can be swapped for a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
