Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Layers of tender chicken, seasoned vegetables, beans, and cheese come together baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to assemble and full of comforting Mexican-inspired flavors.

The image shows a close-up of a plate of enchiladas on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The enchiladas have about two thick layers: the bottom layer is filled with shredded chicken mixed with corn, giving a yellowish and reddish texture, while the top layer is covered in melted orange cheese with a slightly crispy finish. On top of the enchiladas, there is a generous scoop of chunky guacamole made with green avocado pieces, small diced red tomatoes, and finely chopped red onions. A dollop of white sour cream sits in the center, sprinkled with fresh green chopped cilantro, which is also scattered on the food and plate edges. Two lime wedges rest beside the food in the upper corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Place a layer of tortilla strips over the chicken mixture, then add half of the black beans, half of the corn kernels, and half of the shredded cheese.
  6. Step 6: Repeat the layers, starting with the chicken mixture, followed by tortilla strips, remaining beans, corn, and cheese. Finish with a layer of the chicken mixture on top.
  7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
  8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  9. Step 9: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped cilantro.
  10. Step 10: Serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the chicken mixture.
  • Use flour tortillas instead of corn if you prefer a softer texture.
  • Add a layer of sliced olives or diced tomatoes for additional flavor and color.
  • To make this casserole vegetarian, substitute the chicken with extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked veggies.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a layered dish of enchiladas served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer is soft tortillas filled with a mix of shredded chicken and corn, covered with a thick reddish-brown sauce. On top of the sauce is a melted layer of golden yellow and light brown cheese, slightly crispy on the edges. The enchiladas are topped with a mix of diced red tomatoes, green avocado pieces, and small chopped purple onions, finished with a dollop of white sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green cilantro. A lime wedge is partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time since it’s already cooked and shredded.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready.

Print
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Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, black beans, corn, and cheese layered between crispy corn tortilla strips, all baked to perfection in a flavorful enchilada sauce. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, topped with fresh cilantro and served with optional sour cream and lime wedges to add brightness and creaminess.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other

  • 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking and stirring occasionally until they soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture until heated through, approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Layer Base: Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  5. First Layer of Toppings: Arrange a layer of tortilla strips over the chicken mixture. Then evenly distribute half of the black beans, half of the corn kernels, and half of the shredded cheese over the tortillas.
  6. Second Layer: Repeat the layering by spreading the remaining chicken mixture, followed by another layer of tortilla strips, then the remaining black beans, corn kernels, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of the chicken mixture on top.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through.
  8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
  10. Serve: Serve warm with optional sour cream and lime wedges on the side to add creaminess and a fresh citrus touch.

Notes

  • Use cooked, shredded chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
  • You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred, but corn gives a more authentic flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of enchilada sauce to suit your desired moistness.
  • For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: shredded chicken casserole, enchilada casserole, Mexican casserole, baked enchiladas, easy chicken dinner

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