Creamy & Delicious Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I’m a big fan of Mexican food, so when I discovered this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe, I knew I had to try it! I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious combination of ingredients and how easy it was to make. The creamy sauce was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked to perfection. This casserole is now a staple in my weekly meal rotation and I’m sure it will become a favorite of yours too!

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, torn into small pieces

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut each chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
• Add the onion, green bell pepper, and green chiles to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and uncooked white rice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked through.
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the baking dish with the chicken mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese over the chicken.
• Place the torn corn tortillas over the cheese. Spread the sour cream over the tortillas.
• Pour the remaining chicken mixture over the top and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1/6 of casserole
• Calories: 437
• Fat: 16.7g
• Carbohydrates: 37.8g
• Protein: 29.7g
• Sodium: 748mg
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 4.3g

What makes this creamy chicken enchilada casserole so delicious?

This creamy chicken enchilada casserole is so delicious because of the combination of flavors and textures that are packed into the dish. The shredded chicken is cooked in a creamy and flavorful sauce that is made with a combination of cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s layered with tortillas and cheese and baked until it’s warm and gooey. The cheese gives the dish a creamy texture, and the tortillas provide a crunchy contrast. The dish is topped with a final layer of cheese and baked until it’s golden brown. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful ingredients makes this creamy chicken enchilada casserole a delicious meal.

Why is this an ideal meal to make on a busy weeknight?

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is an ideal meal to make on a busy weeknight because it is quick and easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready to serve in just over an hour.

This casserole is a family-friendly favorite that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. All you need is some cooked chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, tortillas, and a few simple pantry staples and you are good to go! The recipe is simple to follow and can easily be customized to suit different tastes. For example, you can add in some black beans or corn for a more filling meal, or switch out the chicken for beef or vegetarian protein.

With its delicious flavor and ease of preparation, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a great meal to make on a busy weeknight. It can be made ahead of time and reheated prior to serving, so you can have a nutritious, home-cooked meal on the table in no time.

What are some tips for preparing this creamy chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time?

Gather all of your ingredients and have them prepared before you begin cooking. This will make the process much faster and easier.

• Assemble the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Take the casserole out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to bake it. This will allow it to come to room temperature, which will ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the recipe. Then, bake the casserole according to the instructions provided.
• If you are making the casserole more than 24 hours in advance, consider freezing it for later use. Place the assembled casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake the casserole, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it according to the recipe instructions.

How can this creamy chicken enchilada casserole be easily customized to suit different tastes?

This creamy chicken enchilada casserole is incredibly easy to customize to suit different tastes. Variations on this dish can be easily achieved with minimal effort and ingredients. Here are some ideas to give this classic casserole a unique twist:

• Add a variety of vegetables to the casserole. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms make great additions to the dish and add brightness and crunch.
• Add a bit of heat to the casserole with some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of chili powder.
• Use different cheeses to give the casserole a unique flavor. Try a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and feta cheese.
• Add a layer of crunch by topping the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or sliced almonds.
• Change up the flavors with different types of enchilada sauce. Try a smoky chipotle sauce or a mild green chili sauce.

These are just a few ideas for how to customize this delicious creamy chicken enchilada casserole. With a few simple changes, you can create a unique and delicious dish that everyone will love.

What techniques can one use to make this creamy chicken enchilada casserole extra flavorful?

When it comes to making a creamy chicken enchilada casserole extra flavorful, there are several techniques one can use.

One way to liven up the flavors in this casserole is to marinate the chicken for 24 hours in citrus juices and a mix of herbs and spices. This will give the chicken a more intense flavor that will stand out when baked in the casserole. Additionally, for the cream sauce, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper powder can give the casserole a subtle smoky flavor.

Another technique to make the casserole extra flavorful is to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh peppers, onions, and garlic will add a vibrant flavor to the casserole that canned ingredients cannot provide. Additionally, adding freshly chopped herbs such as cilantro or parsley as a garnish will bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Finally, adding a layer of cheese to the top of the casserole before baking can add a lovely melted texture and flavor. A sharp cheddar or cheese blend will provide a delicious cheesy topping that will give the enchilada casserole the perfect finish.

When it comes to making a creamy chicken enchilada casserole, these techniques can help make the dish extra flavorful and delicious. Marinating the chicken, using fresh ingredients, and adding a layer of cheese are all great ways to give the casserole a more intense flavor.

How can leftovers of this creamy chicken enchilada casserole be repurposed for another meal?

Leftovers of this creamy chicken enchilada casserole can easily be repurposed into several other dishes, making for a convenient and delicious second meal. The casserole itself is a blend of rich flavors and textures, featuring chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Here are a few ideas to help you get the most out of your casserole leftovers:

• Burritos: Simply layer the enchilada casserole into a warm tortilla, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and you have a delicious burrito.
• Chili: Add the casserole to a pot of chili and you’ll have a hearty meal.
• Quesadillas: Put the casserole between two tortillas, top with cheese, and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Tacos: Layer the casserole onto a warm tortilla, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a delicious taco.
• Nachos: Layer the enchilada casserole onto a plate of nachos and top with your favorite cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and other garnishes.

These are just a few ideas for repurposing the leftovers of this creamy chicken enchilada casserole. There are countless other ways to get creative and make a delicious second meal from this casserole. With a little imagination, you can create a whole new meal that’s just as tasty as the original.