Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Craving some Tex-Mex flavor but short on time? Try this simple and delicious Chicken Enchilada Casserole! It’s a layered, bake-and-forget kind of dish that offers all the rich flavors of traditional enchiladas without the hassle of rolling. A mix of shredded chicken, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to whip up this cozy casserole in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned or fresh)
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the enchilada sauce, making sure the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
- Gather a 9×13 inch baking dish and begin layering the casserole. Start with a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Arrange 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary to cover the bottom.
- Spread half of the saucy chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the black beans, half of the corn, and a third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with 4 more tortillas, the remaining chicken, beans, and corn, and another third of the cheese.
- Top with the remaining tortillas, pour any leftover enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect combo of ease and flavor. Serve it up with a side salad, some rice, or extra chips for dipping, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!