Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Few dishes bring people together like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests. With layers of tender chicken, creamy cheese, flavorful enchilada sauce, and hearty black beans, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this casserole offers the best of both worlds: simplicity and irresistible flavor.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Easy to Assemble: With a few simple steps, you can layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
• Versatile: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to fit your preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or reheating leftovers.
• Family-Approved: A hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

To make this recipe, gather the following ingredients for the homemade enchilada sauce and casserole.

Enchilada Sauce

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	For sautéing
Yellow onion	1 small, diced	Adds sweetness and flavor
Kosher salt	½ teaspoon	Enhances the flavors
Cumin	1 ½ teaspoons	Adds warmth
Chili powder	2 teaspoons	Brings depth and spice
All-purpose flour	1 tablespoon	Thickens the sauce
Tomato sauce	15 ounces	Forms the base of the sauce
Chicken stock	1 cup	Adds richness and balance
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Boosts savory aroma

For the Casserole

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Shredded chicken	3 cups	Use rotisserie chicken for ease
Kosher salt	½ teaspoon	For seasoning
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon	Adds a hint of spice
Diced green chiles	4.5 ounces	Adds mild heat and flavor
Black beans	15 ounces, drained	For texture and protein
Corn tortillas	12 (6 inches each)	Creates the layers
Colby Jack cheese	3 cups, shredded	Melts beautifully and adds creaminess

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
3. Create the Base: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock.
4. Simmer and Blend: Add the tomato sauce and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. If desired, blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, diced green chiles, and drained black beans.
2. Add ½ cup of the enchilada sauce to the mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Tortillas: Dip 6 corn tortillas into the remaining enchilada sauce, coating them on both sides. Arrange them in a single layer to cover the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Add the Chicken Mixture: Spread half of the chicken filling evenly over the tortillas.
3. Layer the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the chicken mixture.
4. Repeat the Layers: Dip the remaining 6 tortillas in the sauce and layer them on top of the cheese. Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas and pour any leftover enchilada sauce on top. Finish with 2 cups of cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven.
2. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
3. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with sides that complement its bold flavors:

• Mexican Rice: Adds a hearty, flavorful side.
• Guacamole and Chips: Balances the richness of the casserole.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lime dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1. Use Fresh Tortillas: Slightly stale tortillas can become too chewy when baked.
2. Blend the Sauce: Blending creates a smoother sauce but is optional for a chunkier texture.
3. Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy chiles for a kick.
4. Save Time: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
5. Customize the Cheese: Swap Colby Jack for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	750mg

FAQs About Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

3. What can I substitute for Colby Jack cheese?

You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based protein like tofu or beans.

6. How do I prevent soggy tortillas?

Coating the tortillas in sauce before layering helps them hold their structure during baking.

Why You Should Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole Tonight

Chicken Enchilada Casserole offers the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. The layers of chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce meld together in the oven, creating a casserole that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a meal that’s guaranteed to please. This casserole isn’t just food—it’s a reason to bring everyone together around the dinner table.

Print