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Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food


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  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Enjoy a warm and cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, a family-friendly comfort food layered with tender chicken, creamy cheese, flavorful enchilada sauce, and hearty black beans. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings!


Ingredients

Enchilada Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Casserole Ingredients:

  • 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
  • 15 ounces black beans, drained
  • 12 corn tortillas (6 inches each)
  • 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and kosher salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Add flour and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Slowly whisk in chicken stock.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Blend for a smoother texture, if desired.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, diced green chiles, and drained black beans.
  2. Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce to coat evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Dip 6 corn tortillas into the enchilada sauce, coating both sides. Layer them on the bottom of the baking dish.
  2. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
  3. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
  4. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese. Pour any leftover enchilada sauce over the top layer and finish with 2 cups of cheese.

Step 5: Bake

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

Notes

  • Tortilla Tip: Coating tortillas in sauce prevents sogginess and helps them maintain structure.
  • Customizable: Add jalapeños for spice or substitute chicken with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican