Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Layered Fiesta in a Dish!

Introduction

We get it—weeknight dinners can be a total scramble. But what if we told you that you could whip up a drool-worthy, Mexican-inspired meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Enter: Chicken Enchilada Casserole, your new go-to recipe when you’re craving something cheesy, saucy, and packed with layers of deliciousness.

Photo bytexas sasie lady

What You’ll Need:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (store-bought rotisserie for the win!)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (get the good stuff, trust us)
• 12 small corn tortillas, halved or quartered
• 2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (because we’re fancy like that)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil, just enough to keep things slippery.

2. Onions, Meet Skillet

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they’re soft, golden, and just begging to flavor your casserole—about 5 minutes.

3. Layer Like a Pro

It’s time to build your casserole masterpiece:

1. First Layer: Spread a little enchilada sauce at the bottom of your dish (like a saucy red carpet).
2. Tortillas: Arrange a layer of corn tortillas over the sauce—think puzzle pieces, but tastier.
3. Chicken Party: Add a layer of shredded chicken, evenly distributed.
4. Beans & Corn: Sprinkle on the black beans and corn for that extra hearty goodness.
5. Say Cheese: Top with a good handful of shredded cheese. Don’t be shy.

4. Rinse and Repeat

Keep layering until you’ve used everything up, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and a final blanket of cheese. Cheese blankets = happiness.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and let the cheese go golden and bubbly for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect Instagram-worthy cheese pull.

6. Garnish & Serve

After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes (seriously, let it chill). Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, guac, or jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy.

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Side Dish Ideas

Make this a full-on fiesta with these perfect pairings:

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy, flavorful, and made to sit next to this casserole.
• Refried Beans: Creamy, comforting, and exactly what you need for dipping.
• Pico de Gallo: Bright, fresh, and the perfect counterbalance to all that cheesy goodness.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

NutrientAmountCalories360 kcalProtein22gCarbohydrates30gFat18gFiber6gSodium780mg

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Photo bytexas sasie lady

Conclusion

And there you have it—your weeknight dinner hero! This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is layered with love, packed with bold flavors, and easy enough to make any day of the week. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just another night when you’re craving comfort food with a kick, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver cheesy, saucy bliss. Bonus: it reheats like a dream, so consider tomorrow’s lunch sorted.