Smothered Southwestern Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I’m a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, so when I stumbled upon this delicious Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole recipe, I knew I had to try it. I was not disappointed! The colorful layers of chicken, black beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce come together perfectly to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, and it’s sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
• 1 cup Mexican-style shredded cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, black beans, enchilada sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Place four of the tortillas in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
• Spread half of the chicken and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle on half of the green chiles.
• Place the remaining four tortillas over the top, overlapping them slightly.
• Spread the remaining chicken and bean mixture over the tortillas, and then sprinkle on the remaining green chiles.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, followed by the chopped cilantro.
• Bake the casserole in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 624
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 77mg
• Sodium: 845mg
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 14g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 39g

How can you customize this dish to make it your own?

Customizing a delicious Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is easy! There are several ways to make this dish your own.

For starters, you can switch up the proteins and add in your favorite meats or proteins. For example, you can substitute the chicken for steak, pork, or even fish. You can also add in additional layers of black beans, refried beans, or even additional vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or onions.

Another way to customize this dish is to switch up the type of enchilada sauce. Instead of using a traditional red sauce, you can use a green sauce, or even a milder white sauce. You can also adjust the level of heat of the sauce to make it more or less spicy.

Finally, you can top the casserole with your favorite toppings. A sprinkle of cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro are just a few options to add flavor. If you want to add a crunchy texture, you can also sprinkle on some crushed tortilla chips.

By experimenting with different proteins, sauces, and toppings, you can easily make this Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole your own.

What are the main ingredients in a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole?

The main ingredients in a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole include chicken, black beans, enchilada sauce, cheese, corn tortillas, and Mexican spices.

This delicious Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It features layers of seasoned chicken and black beans, enchilada sauce, cheese, and corn tortillas, creating a hearty and flavorful casserole. The Mexican spices add a kick of flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among family and friends.

The chicken is the star of this dish, providing the protein and flavor. Cooked chicken is shredded and layered with black beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese. The black beans add a layer of texture and flavor, while the enchilada sauce and cheese add the Mexican flair to the casserole.

The corn tortillas provide the crunch and complexity to the dish. They are layered in between the chicken and black beans, along with the enchilada sauce and cheese, to create a crunchy, flavorful casserole. To finish off the dish, Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano are added to the casserole to give it an authentic flavor.

These ingredients come together to make a delicious and nutritious layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this casserole is sure to please.

What are the health benefits of a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole?

The layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole offers a variety of health benefits, including:

• High protein content: The chicken and black beans provide a good source of protein, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of muscles, skin, hair, and other body tissues.
• Healthy fats: The black beans and chicken contain healthy unsaturated fats, which help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Fiber: The black beans provide a good source of fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Vitamins and minerals: The enchilada casserole is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron, which are essential for a healthy immune system and overall health.
• Low in calories: The enchilada casserole is relatively low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

How do you layer the ingredients in a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole?

To layer the ingredients in a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole, begin by spreading a layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

• On top of the sauce, layer half of the cooked and shredded chicken, half of the black beans, and one cup of cheese.
• Add a second layer of enchilada sauce, the remaining chicken, black beans, and cheese.
• Top with a layer of tortilla chips, followed by a layer of enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

What tips can you use to make the preparation of a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole easier?

Here are some tips to make the preparation of a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole easier:

• Prepping and cooking the ingredients in advance can help reduce the time it takes to assemble the dish. For example, you can cook the chicken and beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
• Use pre-shredded cheese to save time. Alternatively, you can buy block cheese and shred it yourself, which will result in a fresher taste.
• Use store-bought tortillas or make your own. If you’re short on time, store-bought tortillas can be used. But if you have the extra time, making your own tortillas from scratch can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Layer the ingredients carefully. When layering the ingredients, be sure to spread them out evenly so that each bite has an equal proportion of cheese, chicken, beans, and tortillas.
• Bake the enchilada casserole in the oven until it’s golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the flavors are fully developed and the texture is just right.

How long does a layered chicken and black bean enchilada casserole take to make?

Making a delicious Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is a relatively simple process that can take approximately 1 1/2 hours from start to finish.

The preparation time for this casserole is minimal, and can be completed in about 10 minutes. To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, in a large skillet, sauté the diced onions and green bell peppers in olive oil until soft. Add the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned. To the skillet, add black beans, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir and cook for another few minutes and set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the enchilada sauce, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Once combined, add in the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Spread half of the mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheese and sprinkle with chopped olives. Layer with the remaining chicken mixture and top with the remaining cheese.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This delicious Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is a great meal for any day of the week. With minimal preparation time and a total hands-on cooking time of about 1 1/2 hours, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.