Description
Ready for a crowd-pleasing dinner idea that’s bursting with bold, cheesy flavor? This *Chicken Enchilada Casserole* is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender shredded chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and layers of melty cheese—all baked into a bubbly, irresistible dish. Perfect for easy dinner nights, family gatherings, or quick meal prep, it’s one of the best Tex-Mex inspired food ideas that doesn’t require rolling individual enchiladas. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe, a quick dinner, or new casserole inspiration, this dish has you covered!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups red enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 small corn tortillas
Cooking spray or oil (for greasing dish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with half the enchilada sauce, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and green onions.
3. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Add a layer of tortillas, then a layer of the chicken mixture, followed by shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layering: tortillas, chicken, cheese, and sauce, until all ingredients are used—ending with cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and additional green onions, then serve hot.
Notes
Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
Toast tortillas slightly before layering to avoid sogginess.
Let the casserole rest before serving so it slices cleanly and holds its shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg