Irresistible Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Crafting a delightful chicken enchilada casserole brings comfort and joy to any dinner table.

Layers of melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep cravings.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a culinary adventure that feels like a warm hug.

Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, making this dish perfect for casual weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.

Families and friends will love how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal effort.

Home cooks can easily customize the recipe to match their taste preferences.

You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients transform into a spectacular meal that everyone will request again and again.

Dive in and let the deliciousness begin!

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Flavor Notes

• Quick and Easy Enchilada Bliss
• Incredibly simple recipe that even beginner cooks can master with zero stress, delivering restaurant-quality flavors right at home.
• Flexible dish allowing endless variations by swapping protein, adding different veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match family preferences.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup with everything baked in a single dish, making this casserole a dream for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet convenient meals.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners where everyone craves something hearty and satisfying without complicated preparation.

What’s Needed for This Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
• Tortillas: Soft, flexible corn or flour wraps that create the enchilada structure.
• Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden, bubbly surface.

• Corn, Black Beans: Colorful, nutritious additions that provide texture and flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm, aromatic spices that enhance the Mexican-inspired taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth: Smooth, creamy ingredients that create a rich, velvety sauce for binding the casserole.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous topping that adds a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.

How to Bake This Creamy Chicken Dish

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 350F (175C).

This temperature creates the perfect environment for melting cheese and blending flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until well mixed and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth

Whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a consistent texture.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole

Spread a thin sauce layer on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place a tortilla flat, add chicken filling, then roll tightly.

Position seam-side down in the dish.

Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Pour remaining sauce over rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.

Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with foil and bake 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot.

Helpful Tips for a Perfectly Baked Casserole

• Pat chicken and corn dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture that can make tortillas soggy.
• Toast cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to the filling to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Let cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to ensure more even melting and golden browning.
• Adjust chili powder and add diced jalapeños for extra spiciness or use mild seasonings for a kid-friendly version.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Enchiladas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Side Dishes That Work with Chicken Enchiladas

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Craft a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and a salt rim to complement the enchilada casserole's rich and spicy flavors.
• Serve Mexican Beer Delight: Choose a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the creamy casserole and refresh the palate.
• Add Fresh Cilantro Salsa: Prepare a bright, tangy salsa with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice to provide a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Create Refreshing Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon or pineapple with water and a touch of sugar for a light, sweet drink that balances the casserole's robust flavors.

Flavor Swaps to Try in Enchilada Casserole

• Low-Carb Option: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips. Use cauliflower rice instead of corn to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with black beans, quinoa, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives. Verify cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make a homemade version using cornstarch as a thickener.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Replace cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or plant-based ingredients. Select lactose-free cream of chicken soup.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and use it in the filling.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level from cumin and chili powder. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Greek yogurt or cream cheese can work as alternatives. They’ll provide similar creaminess and help bind the sauce together.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole delivers comfort wrapped in cheesy, zesty layers of pure deliciousness. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce create a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings where you’ll savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
• 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Assembly Ingredients:

• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful filling by combining shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
2. Craft a creamy sauce by whisking sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until the mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the prepared sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking.
4. Construct individual enchiladas by laying out tortillas, adding a precise portion of chicken filling, and rolling tightly before positioning seam-side down in the prepared dish.
5. Complete the layering process by pouring the remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas, guaranteeing complete coverage and moisture.
6. Generously distribute shredded cheese across the top of the casserole, creating an even blanket of melty goodness.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to heat thoroughly.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
10. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbal freshness to the dish before serving.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy this hearty meal.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and checking salt content in canned ingredients like cream of chicken soup.
• Boost vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the chicken filling for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Prepare filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 2 days, making weeknight cooking faster and more convenient.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg