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
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and kosher salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add flour and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Slowly whisk in chicken stock.
- Stir in tomato sauce and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Blend for a smoother texture, if desired.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, diced green chiles, and drained black beans.
- Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce to coat evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Dip 6 corn tortillas into the enchilada sauce, coating both sides. Layer them on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- 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
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- 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