Tangy Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe For Family Night

Whipping up a delightful chicken enchilada casserole brings comfort and excitement to any dinner table.

My kitchen always feels alive when layering these incredible flavors together.

Mexican-inspired dishes pack such incredible warmth and personality into every single bite.

Cheese melts perfectly between tender chicken and soft tortillas, creating magic on your plate.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe sing with authentic southwestern charm.

Crispy edges and rich, creamy textures promise a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Settle in and let’s create something truly memorable tonight.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Comfort

• Tackle Family Dinner Dilemma: This casserole solves mealtime stress by delivering a crowd-pleasing dish packed with flavor that satisfies every family member's taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like protein or add extra toppings to make this recipe your own, transforming it into a personalized culinary creation that matches your preferences.
• Quick Comfort Food Champion: Minimal prep steps and simple ingredients make this chicken enchilada casserole a go-to meal for busy households craving delicious, hearty comfort food without complicated cooking techniques.
• One-Dish Wonder: Streamline your kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that combines multiple ingredients into a delectable meal, reducing dishes and saving precious time after cooking.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken: A protein-rich base that provides the main flavor and substance of the casserole.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layers and add texture to the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and contributes to the smooth, creamy consistency of the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, gooey topping that enhances the overall taste.

• Rotel, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices and ingredients add depth, warmth, and complexity to the casserole's flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Optional ingredient that can make the casserole more moist and tender.

How to Prepare Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Heat your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Flavor Explosion

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Drained Rotel tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. Fold in the shredded chicken, making sure every piece is coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Layers

• Spreading a layer of tortilla pieces across the bottom of the baking dish
• Pouring half of the creamy chicken mixture over the tortillas
• Adding another layer of tortilla pieces
• Topping with the remaining chicken mixture

For an extra-moist casserole, drizzle some chicken broth between the layers. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a golden, melty crown.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams “I’m delicious!”

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set up. Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Enchilada Casserole

• Add a splash of lime juice to the creamy mixture for a bright, tangy kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Use corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Incorporate diced green chiles or jalapeños for an extra layer of heat and complexity in the chicken mixture.
• Replace tortillas with cauliflower rice or zucchini slices for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the casserole.

Variations to Elevate Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace Rotel with fresh chopped jalapeños and add diced green chiles for extra heat and robust flavor.
• Veggie Power Boost: Swap chicken with black beans, add roasted corn, bell peppers, and spinach for a nutritious vegetarian version.
• Tex-Mex Ranch Remix: Substitute sour cream with ranch dressing and add taco seasoning for a tangy, zesty southwestern profile.
• Green Chile Chicken Upgrade: Use green enchilada sauce instead of cream of chicken soup, and incorporate shredded green chiles for a bright, herbaceous taste.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Margaritas: Blend zesty lime margaritas to cut through the creamy casserole's richness, balancing the dish's spicy and cheesy flavors with a refreshing citrus kick.
• Serve with Mexican Black Bean Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to add freshness and contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Complement with Smooth Cabernet Sauvignon: Choose a medium-bodied red wine with subtle spice notes that harmonize with the enchilada's cumin and chili powder, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Enchilada Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for a crispy top layer.

FAQs

• What type of tortillas work best for this casserole?

Corn tortillas are ideal because they hold up better to the creamy sauce and provide a more authentic Mexican flavor compared to flour tortillas.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the creamy mixture or use hot Rotel tomatoes instead of mild to increase the heat level. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

• Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort to dinner tables with layers of rich, melted cheese and tender chicken. Spicy, savory flavors combine in this hearty dish you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 10.5 ounces (or 296 milliliters) cream of chicken soup

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Extras:

• 10 ounces (or 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 10 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup (or 120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (or 120 milliliters) additional shredded Mexican blend cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13 inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Craft a velvety mixture by combining cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained Rotel, one portion of shredded cheese, and a symphony of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold shredded chicken into the creamy concoction until thoroughly integrated.
3. Create architectural layers within the baking dish by positioning half the tortilla fragments as the foundational base. Generously spread a portion of the creamy chicken mixture across the tortilla landscape. Replicate the layering process with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. For enhanced moisture, cascade chicken broth over the layers before adorning with remaining cheese.
4. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and transmute in the heated oven for 25 minutes. Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, effervescent landscape.
5. Allow the casserole a brief resting period of 5-10 minutes to stabilize its structural integrity. Embellish with preferred garnishes and accompany with rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching sodium intake.
• Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising flavor.
• Replace shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Add diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat and complexity if you prefer a spicier version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg