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When it comes to Mexican cuisine, few dishes can compete with the beloved enchilada. This traditional meal, often characterized by its flavorful fillings wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in rich sauces, has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world. Among the various adaptations of this classic dish, the savory chicken enchilada casserole stands out as a crowd-pleaser, combining the essence of enchiladas with the convenience and warmth of a casserole.

Savory Chicken Enchilada Casserole for Families

Discover the delicious world of savory chicken enchilada casserole, a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This crowd-pleaser combines layers of tender shredded chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas into a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and serve. With its endless customization options, you can make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables and spices. Get ready to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories around the dinner table with this flavorful dish. Perfect for sharing, it's bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients
  

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (choose red or green according to your preference)

1 cup sour cream

2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen work well)

2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is perfect)

8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters

1 medium onion, diced finely

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust based on personal spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Slices of avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

    Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce, sour cream, black beans, corn, diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed and well incorporated.

      Layer the Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, begin layering your casserole. Start with a generous layer of the chicken mixture at the bottom, followed by a layer of the tortilla quarters. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over this layer. Repeat this process (chicken mixture, tortillas, cheese) until all ingredients are utilized. For the final layer, top with any remaining tortilla quarters, drizzle with the rest of the enchilada sauce, and generously sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

        Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

          Serve: Once finished baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful meal!

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | Serves 6-8

              - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful serving, dish out portions onto vibrant plates, adding fresh avocado slices on the side, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a touch of color. A dollop of additional sour cream on top can elevate the dish further!