There’s something magical about comfort food that’s both delicious and simple to make. The Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole combines the bold, zesty flavors of traditional enchiladas with the ease of a layered casserole. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress without keeping you tied to the kitchen.

Let’s dive into how you can create this flavorful casserole step by step, and learn tips to customize it for your taste.

Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

• Quick and Simple: Perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with cheesy, savory goodness that even picky eaters will love.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can diced green chilies, drained (optional)
• 1 can red enchilada sauce (19 ounces)
• 12 corn tortillas
• 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sour cream and sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it begins to soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Mix in the shredded chicken and diced green chilies (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Warm the tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable. This prevents them from cracking during assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread a thin layer (about ⅓ cup) of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Place 4 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping as needed.
3. Layer half of the chicken mixture, half of the black beans, and one-third of the shredded cheeses over the tortillas. Drizzle with another ⅓ cup of enchilada sauce.
4. Repeat the layers: 4 tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, black beans, another one-third of the cheeses, and ⅓ cup of sauce.
5. Finish with the remaining 4 tortillas, enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheeses.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for added flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Tortillas: Corn tortillas are ideal for their flavor and texture, but you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred.
• Add Some Spice: For a spicier dish, use hot enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Make It Creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the chicken mixture for extra richness.
• Customize the Fillings: Incorporate other ingredients like corn, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate for one serving of this casserole (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	14g
Sodium	640mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but keep in mind that flour tortillas may become softer when layered and baked.

4. How do I make this vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and double the black beans or add cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.

5. What can I serve with this casserole?

Pair it with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Why This Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion

The Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a versatile dish that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even as a freezer meal. Its layers of bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken make it a hit every time.

Conclusion: Make Your Dinner Unforgettable

With this Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, you can bring the flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table in a stress-free and delicious way. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite!

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