Mouthwatering Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food with a Kick

If you're craving a hearty, satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of enchiladas into a casserole, this Chicken Enchilada Casserole is exactly what you need. Layered with tender shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a homemade enchilada sauce, it’s a comfort food masterpiece. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture from the tortillas.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first came across this amazing recipe on Insanely Good Recipes and couldn’t resist trying it. Trust me, it's a total game-changer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this casserole is the definition of comfort food at its best.

This dish has become a regular in my kitchen, especially on busy nights when I need something delicious and quick to prepare. There’s something about the combination of chicken, refried beans, and melted cheese that makes every bite incredibly indulgent. Plus, the homemade enchilada sauce adds a depth of flavor you just don’t get from store-bought alternatives.

If you're a fan of Mexican-inspired meals, this casserole is a must-try. Enchiladas, which have roots in Mexican cuisine, date back to the Aztec era where they wrapped tortillas around small fish. Today, the dish has evolved into something much heartier, often featuring meats, beans, cheese, and a variety of toppings. This casserole simplifies the process, giving you all the wonderful flavors of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling them individually.

The Recipe

Here’s how you can make this mouthwatering casserole at home:

Ingredients for the Enchilada Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• Salt, to taste

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 1/2 cups homemade enchilada sauce (from above), divided
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6-8 small corn tortillas, halved
• 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced red onion, sliced green onion, diced avocado

Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce: Start by heating the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a roux. Then, stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened, and season with salt to taste.
2. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Place 4 tortilla halves over the sauce. Add a third of the shredded chicken, a third of the refried beans, and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Pour 1/3 cup of enchilada sauce over this layer.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat this process two more times, layering the tortillas, chicken, beans, cheese, and sauce.
5. Finish with Tortillas and Cheese: On the final layer, place the remaining tortilla halves, pour over the remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with greased foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onions, or avocado for an extra flavor boost.

Customization and Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the shredded chicken for sautéed veggies or more beans to create a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder in the sauce or use a mild variety. For more heat, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. You can also freeze it before baking for an easy freezer meal option.

Perfect Pairings:

Serve this Chicken Enchilada Casserole with a simple side salad or Mexican rice to round out the meal. If you’re hosting a gathering, a side of chips and guacamole would also complement the casserole nicely.

I hope you enjoy this easy chicken enchilada casserole recipe as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m sure it will in yours, too! Did you try this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below, and don't forget to follow for more delicious recipes like this one!