If you’re in the mood for a meal that tastes like a big warm hug, you’re going to love this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, layers of melty cheese, creamy sauce, and just the right touch of spice, all stacked between hearty corn tortillas. Every bite is pure comfort and, best of all, the whole thing comes together quickly and easily—perfect for weeknights or sharing with friends. You get the classic enchilada flavors you crave, with a fuss-free layered casserole twist that honestly never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is in its simple, real ingredients. Each one has a purpose, whether it’s creaminess, a hit of spice, or that irresistible gooey cheese pull. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken saves time and soaks up all those bold enchilada flavors beautifully.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: This classic sauce ties everything together with its tangy, slightly spicy kick—pick your favorite for best results.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds comfort and creaminess, blending seamlessly into the sauce for a luscious texture.
- Sour Cream: Not only does this make the casserole extra smooth, but it also brings a gentle tang that balances the spice.
- Chili Powder: For that unmistakable enchilada warmth—it wakes up the entire dish.
- Cumin: Delivers earthy, smoky depth, making each layer more interesting and deeply flavored.
- Mexican Blend Cheese: With both a gooey melt and stretchy texture, this cheese medley is pure magic, especially when it bubbles on top.
- Corn Tortillas: These create structure and authenticity, with just the right chew in each bite.
- Green Onions: Chopped for garnish, they offer color, crunch, and a mild sharpness that lifts every serving.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional): For a refreshing, vibrant finish—add if you’re a fan of its distinctive flavor!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. A hot oven ensures your Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe will get bubbly and perfectly golden. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, which helps prevent sticking and makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. Stir until everything is smooth and luscious. Next, fold in your shredded chicken and one cup of the shredded cheese. This mixture packs every bite with flavor and gooey goodness.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the chicken filling on the bottom of the baking dish—this keeps those tortillas soft and flavorful. Arrange a layer of tortilla quarters over the filling, then add another layer of creamy chicken mixture. Alternate your layers, ending with a final blanket of filling on top.
Step 4: Top With Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese generously over the top—don’t be shy! Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is that telltale cheesy bubble and the rich, golden brown edges.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Let your casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This small wait is key—it settles the layers and makes slicing easy. Just before serving, sprinkle with green onions and fresh cilantro for the ultimate finish.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe with the right garnishes transforms each slice from comforting to restaurant-worthy. Think a flurry of fresh green onions, a sprinkle of cilantro, or even a few slices of creamy avocado. If you love extra heat, serve with jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Every bite becomes a little more special!
Side Dishes
This casserole plays well with all sorts of sides. Classic options include Spanish rice, a crisp green salad, or maybe even some seasoned black beans. For crunch, serve with tortilla chips or a simple corn salad. Each side complements the casserole’s rich, cheesy flavors while bringing more color and texture to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try cutting the casserole into neat squares and serving each portion on a bed of shredded lettuce with a lime wedge. For a festive touch, use colorful plates and add a scoop of salsa or guacamole to each one. Individual ramekins also make for a fun, personal twist—perfect for guests or picky eaters. Let your imagination (and taste buds) lead the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe (lucky you!), simply cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making leftovers just as tempting as the first night.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet. Wrap securely in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers—just portion them out, wrap tightly, and label. Dinner is ready when you need it!
Reheating
Warm up leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning, until hot throughout. For smaller portions, the microwave works just fine—just cover to keep things moist. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or a spoonful of sour cream to bring back that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas work if you prefer a softer, less rustic texture. Keep in mind they can get a bit more tender after baking, but the Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe will still be delicious.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for both flavor and convenience, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh will do. You can even use poached or grilled chicken for added flavor.
How spicy is this casserole?
The dish is mild to medium, depending mostly on your enchilada sauce and chili powder. You can always add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat, or keep things milder as directed.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the whole Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe up to one day ahead and refrigerate it, then simply bake when you’re ready to serve. This is great for busy days or meal prepping!
What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
Mix in a can of drained black beans, corn, or chopped bell pepper with the chicken for more variety. A few dashes of hot sauce in the filling, or a pinch of smoked paprika, can turn up the flavor even more.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is exactly the kind of meal that brings people together—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or serving up seconds to a table of friends, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular star at your table!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, cheese, and tortillas come together for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 8 corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin. Add shredded chicken and 1 cup of cheese, mix well.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla quarters, then more chicken mixture. Repeat layers, ending with chicken mixture on top.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This casserole is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
- You can customize by adding black beans or corn for extra texture.
- Pair with rice, avocado, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
