Description
Hearty chicken enchilada casserole brings layers of Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and zesty sauce combine in a delightful one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
- 1 can drained sweet corn
Cheese and Tortillas:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 8 corn tortillas
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- fresh cilantro
- green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a delectable casserole.
- Create a robust filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, black beans, corn, half the cheese, onion, bell pepper, and spices until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking and enhance flavor foundation.
- Arrange the first layer of corn tortillas across the sauce, cutting pieces as needed to ensure complete coverage.
- Distribute half the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, then generously drizzle with additional enchilada sauce.
- Add another set of tortillas to create the second layer, followed by remaining chicken mixture and another sauce drizzle.
- Complete the casserole with a final tortilla layer, pouring remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkling the rest of the cheese on top.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
- Uncover the casserole and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbles appetizingly.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time, which cuts down kitchen work without sacrificing flavor.
- Dial down the spice by reducing chili powder or using mild enchilada sauce if serving kids or those with sensitive palates.
- Prep this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking when ready—perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg