Fiesta Fiesta-Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I have a confession to make – I love Mexican food! Whenever I’m in the mood for something savory and comforting, my go-to dish is Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole. This delicious casserole is a combination of all my favorite Mexican flavors and my family loves it. It’s easy to make, too, which is why I always have the ingredients on hand.

Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of happy times spent around the table with family and friends. Dive into this recipe and enjoy the flavor of the Southwest!

Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 28 ounce can green enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and shred it with two forks. Set the chicken aside.
• In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread one can of green enchilada sauce on the bottom.
• Layer the shredded chicken over the sauce.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the chicken.
• Layer the tortilla strips over the cheese.
• Spread the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the sauce.
• Top with olives, red onion, and cilantro.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the casserole cool for about 30 minutes before adding a dollop of sour cream to the top.
• Slice and serve! Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole; Calories: 432; Total Fat: 23 g; Saturated Fat: 10 g; Cholesterol: 82 mg; Sodium: 1031 mg; Total Carbohydrates: 25 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 4 g; Protein: 29 g

What is the origin of the cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole?

The origin of the cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole is unknown, though it is believed to have been created in the United States. It is a popular dish in Mexican-American cuisine.

This hearty casserole is a combination of layers of chicken, green chiles, and cheese, baked until bubbly and delicious. It is typically served with a side of beans, rice, and/or salad. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The creamy, cheesy sauce is the heart of this dish. It is made with cream cheese, sour cream, green chiles, and spices, and is often combined with a red enchilada sauce. This combination gives the dish a unique flavor that can’t be found in other enchilada recipes.

This dish has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it is an easy and flavorful way to make a large family dinner. It can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. The leftovers can be frozen and enjoyed at a later date.

Cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please any crowd. The origin of this dish may be unknown, but it has become a beloved staple of Mexican-American cuisine.

What makes this dish so flavorful?

This Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is bursting with flavor. The combination of three different types of cheese, roasted green chiles, and hearty chicken creates a delicious and flavorful dish.

The casserole is made with a combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and cream cheese. The cheesy trio adds a rich, creamy texture and just the right amount of tangy flavor. Meanwhile, the roasted green chiles give the casserole a spicy kick that adds depth and complexity.

The chicken is the star of the show. It is cooked with a blend of spices, giving it great flavor. The chicken is then shredded, creating a hearty and filling layer in the casserole.

The final flourish that makes this dish so flavorful is the creamy sauce. It is made with a combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. This sauce ties all the flavors together and gives the casserole a savory finish.

Overall, this Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is loaded with flavor from the cheesy trio, roasted green chiles, spiced chicken, and creamy sauce. All these components come together to make an incredibly tasty dish.

What are the benefits of making this dish?

The Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that offers numerous benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of this dish:

• Rich in Protein: This casserole is packed with chicken, which provides a great source of lean protein and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Packed with Vegetables: This dish includes green chiles and onions, which are both packed with vitamins and minerals. This casserole is sure to keep your body strong and healthy.
• Comforting and Delicious: The combination of cheese, chicken, and spices creates a flavor that is sure to please. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This casserole requires minimal prep time and can be cooked in the oven in no time. This makes it an ideal weeknight meal.
• Versatile: This dish can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it a great way to use up whatever leftovers you have in the fridge.

Overall, the Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a great dish that is sure to please. With its numerous benefits, this casserole is an excellent choice for any night of the week.

What are some tips for making the cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole?

Pre-cook your chicken: Pre-cooking your chicken before adding it to the casserole will ensure that it’s fully cooked through after the casserole is finished baking.

• Use two types of cheese for extra flavor: Mixing two types of cheese, such as mozzarella and pepper jack, will give your casserole a richer flavor.
• Add a layer of tortillas on the bottom: Placing a layer of tortillas on the bottom of your casserole dish will help to keep the chicken and enchilada sauce from sinking to the bottom and burning.
• Use fresh green chiles: For the best flavor, use freshly roasted and peeled green chiles. Canned green chiles can be used, but the flavor will not be as intense.
• Add some vegetables: Adding vegetables such as diced bell peppers or onions will make the casserole more nutritious and add flavor.
• Adjust the flavorings to your preference: Feel free to add in more chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder to adjust the flavorings of the casserole to your preference.
• Bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown: Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and golden brown for the best results.

What type of cheese is best for this dish?

Monterey Jack cheese is the best type of cheese to use in a cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole. This type of cheese melts easily, giving the dish a creamy and smooth texture. It also has a mild and creamy flavor that pairs well with the spiciness of the green chiles.

If you are looking for a cheese with a little more zing, try using pepper jack cheese. This cheese has a bit more of a kick, providing a nice contrast to the creaminess of the Monterey Jack cheese. It also adds a nice layer of heat to the dish.

For a truly cheesy flavor, opt for a combination of both Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese. The combination of the two cheeses adds a bold and tasty flavor to the casserole. The mild creaminess of the Monterey Jack cheese is complemented by the zesty flavor of the pepper jack cheese.

No matter what type of cheese you choose to use in your cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

What are some unique ways to serve the cheesy green chile chicken enchilada casserole?

There are many unique and creative ways to serve the Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole! Topping with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkling with chopped cilantro, and adding a squeeze of lime juice are all great ways to add a zesty, flavorful kick. Additionally, you could try serving the casserole in its own skillet with a side of tortilla chips, or topping it with crushed tortilla chips to give it a crunchy texture. For a more savory approach, you could top it with crumbled chorizo and a sprinkle of queso fresco.