Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese in layers of soft tortillas. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 6-8 corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Step 3: Place a layer of tortillas over the sauce, covering the dish evenly.
- Step 4: Add half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas, then spoon over some enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese.
- Step 5: Repeat the layers—tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Step 7: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or use a hot enchilada sauce.
- Try adding black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Swap out tortillas for low-carb or gluten-free versions if preferred.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake when ready.
What cheese works best for this dish?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melts well and provides great flavor.
PrintShredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
This Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring layers of tender shredded chicken, rich enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and soft tortillas, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a simple yet delicious casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken Layer
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
Enchilada Sauce
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Tortillas
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the tortillas and cheese from sticking.
- Layer Ingredients: Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then layer tortillas to cover the sauce, followed by a layer of shredded chicken, a generous spoonful of enchilada sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers (tortillas, chicken, sauce, cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use either corn or flour tortillas based on preference or dietary needs.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or black beans between layers.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium enchilada sauce and cheese options.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the chicken layer.
Keywords: Shredded Chicken Casserole, Enchilada Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Baked Enchiladas, Easy Chicken Dinner
