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A comforting and cheesy bake that layers shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and rich red enchilada sauce. This easy casserole brings all the flavor of traditional enchiladas to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Perfect for a weeknight family meal.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chicken filling. Combine the shredded chicken, the cooked onion and garlic mixture, 1 cup of the enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Begin assembling the casserole. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the corn tortilla strips in a single layer over the sauce.
Create the first full layer. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla strips. Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce over the chicken layer.
Create the second layer. Arrange the remaining tortilla strips on top, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring it's evenly covered.
Finish with cheese and bake. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the entire casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
This recipe goes great with these complete meals
A comforting and cheesy bake that layers shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and rich red enchilada sauce. This easy casserole brings all the flavor of traditional enchiladas to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Perfect for a weeknight family meal.
This tex_mex recipe takes 65 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 631.16 calories per serving with 37.58g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
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Rest and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions before serving.
Replace the chicken with 2 cans (15 oz each) of black beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 cup of corn kernels. Proceed with the recipe as written.
Use green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) instead of red for a tangier, brighter flavor profile. It pairs wonderfully with chicken and cheese.
Substitute the shredded chicken with 1.5 lbs of cooked ground beef (drained) or shredded pork carnitas for a different take on the classic.
For a spicier casserole, add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the chicken mixture or a finely diced jalapeño to the onions while sautéing.
The shredded chicken provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full.
With a generous amount of cheese, this casserole is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
The tomato-based red enchilada sauce is a source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
A typical serving of this Chicken Enchilada Casserole contains approximately 580-650 calories, depending on the specific brands of sauce and cheese used.
It can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in protein from the chicken, which is great for muscle maintenance. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat from the cheese and sauce. To make it healthier, you can use low-sodium enchilada sauce, reduced-fat cheese, and add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven straight from the fridge.
The best way is to quickly fry the tortilla strips in a bit of hot oil for about 30 seconds per side before layering. This creates a slight barrier that helps them hold their texture better in the sauce. Using slightly stale tortillas also helps.
This casserole pairs well with Mexican rice, a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette, guacamole, or refried beans.
You can, but the texture will be very different. Flour tortillas tend to become much softer and can have a doughy consistency when baked in a casserole. Corn tortillas hold up better and provide a more authentic flavor.
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