Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Savor the Cheesy Comfort of Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Embark on a flavor-packed adventure with this Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe, where tender chicken, beans, and corn are layered with tortillas, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce. Every bite delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors wrapped in the coziness of a baked casserole.

Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe is sure to impress. It’s hearty, satisfying, and filled with layers of deliciousness that make it unforgettable.

Ideal for sharing, this recipe brings together everything you love about enchiladas but in an easier, layered form. Ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles? Let’s dive into this cheesy, comforting recipe.

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Flavorful Layers: Why This Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe Works

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe takes all the traditional enchilada flavors and transforms them into a simple baked dish. Instead of rolling each tortilla individually, you’ll layer them like a lasagna, making it quicker and easier.

The combination of tender chicken, beans, corn, and peppers with a generous amount of enchilada sauce creates a filling that is bold and balanced. Meanwhile, the melted cheese ties everything together, offering the gooey comfort you crave.

Best of all, this Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses corn tortillas. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite beans, toppings, or even a homemade enchilada sauce for a personal touch.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1. Layer Carefully: Spread sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
2. Balance the Sauce: Use enough enchilada sauce to keep the casserole moist but not soggy.
3. Mix Cheese Varieties: A blend of Monterrey Jack and cheddar creates the best melty texture.
4. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before cutting so the layers hold together.
5. Add Fresh Toppings: Cilantro, avocado, or onions add freshness and color to balance the richness.

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Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, sauté pan, mixing bowls

With this Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe, your kitchen will smell of smoky chiles, roasted peppers, and bubbling cheese as the layers bake into perfection.

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, cored and diced
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 2 (15-ounce) cans beans, rinsed and drained (one pinto, one black beans)
• 1 (8-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 3 cups (about 1.5 pounds) shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 3 cups red enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought, divided
• 12 corn tortillas, halved
• 3 cups shredded Monterrey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
• Optional Toppings: chopped cilantro, diced red onion, sliced green onions, or diced avocado

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Directions:

1. Prepare the Oven: Heat oven to 375°F. Mist a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 6–7 minutes, until softened.
3. Combine the Filling: Stir in diced green chiles, beans, corn, chicken, and 2 cups enchilada sauce. Mix until evenly coated, then remove from heat.
4. Start the Layers: Pour ½ cup enchilada sauce into the baking dish, spreading it to coat the bottom.
5. First Layer: Arrange about 8 tortilla halves to cover the bottom. Add ⅓ of the chicken mixture and ⅓ of the cheese.
6. Second Layer: Repeat with tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
7. Final Layer: Finish with a last set of tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, the final ½ cup enchilada sauce, and the rest of the cheese.
8. Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Rest and Serve: Let sit for 5–10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh toppings.

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Ready to Relish!

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe delivers layers of comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. Each bite offers the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese, zesty sauce, and hearty beans. It’s everything you love about enchiladas without the extra work of rolling them.

Serve it with a side of rice, a crisp salad, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Whether you’re making it for family or entertaining guests, this casserole will disappear quickly—it’s that good.

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