Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole Comfort Food with a Kick

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of Tex-Mex without the fuss? Ever wondered how to get that delicioso enchilada flavour without all the rolling? This chicken enchilada casserole recipe is your answer, mate.

It's cheesy, comforting, and packed with that amazing south-of-the-border taste!

Brief Overview

Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine. This easy enchilada casserole recipe takes all those classic flavors and turns them into a simple layered bake.

Prep time is about 20 minutes, cook time 30, serving 6-8 hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this chicken casserole recipe is a nutritional powerhouse! Chicken is a brilliant source of lean protein. Plus, it is brilliant for a weeknight dinner with the family! This fiesta chicken enchilada casserole is dead easy and so satisfying.

It'll be your new go-to, I promise.

What Makes This Enchilada Casserole Recipe So Special?

This isn't your average Mexican casserole recipes . It's dead simple to throw together. This recipe uses layers of tortillas, chicken, and cheese smothered in a zingy enchilada sauce.

Trust me; this is a real winner. Oh my gosh, it's delicious!. It's like enchiladas, but way easier. Honestly, I can't think of anything better.

Want to make life even easier? Grab a rotisserie chicken casserole . Shred the chicken and you are off to a great start.

. This is a top-tier comfort food casserole that will satisfy every craving. It is a perfect weeknight dinner casserole . You know?

All the Ingredients For Our Chicken Enchilada Casserole

To make this super cheesy chicken enchilada casserole you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (about 450g)
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (Ro-Tel) (280g)
• 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning (28g)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (1.25 ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (280g)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 225g).

This cheesy chicken casserole is a guaranteed hit. Get ready to enjoy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk grub! Making this chicken enchilada casserole recipe is easier than convincing the cat to take a bath.

Here's what you'll need. This easy enchilada casserole recipe is truly weeknight magic.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Just the regular stuff. It helps the veggies get their groove on.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Yellow or white, it's all good!
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Adds a bit of crunch.
• Cooked Chicken: 1 pound (450g), shredded. Rotisserie chicken works brilliantly for this rotisserie chicken casserole .
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Ro-Tel): 1 (10-ounce) can (280g), undrained. Don't drain! That juice is flavour.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 (1-ounce) package (28g). I always have some kicking around.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml). Garlic everything, right?
• Ground Cumin: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). This gives a proper fiesta chicken enchilada casserole flavour.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. You know how much you like.
• Corn Tortillas: 10 (6 inch) . Flour tortillas work in a pinch.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 (10-ounce) can (280g). Mild or hot, your call!
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 2 cups (about 225g), shredded. Cheddar works too for this cheesy chicken casserole .

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

Taco seasoning is your base. Add extra cumin for a smoky vibe. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a good kick.

Honestly, a mexican casserole recipe isn't complete without that bit of spice. If you are using fresh jalapenos be sure to deseed for a milder flavour.

I remember once adding habanero by mistake. Big oopsy!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

• 9x13 inch baking dish . Glass or ceramic, doesn't matter too much.
• Large skillet. For cooking the veggie mix.
• Measuring cups and spoons. For obvious reasons.
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese). Pre-shredded saves time, honestly.

That's all there is to it! A simple dish like this chicken casserole recipe doesn't need fancy gear. This comfort food casserole is all about easy cooking.

So grab your stuff and let's get started. Your weeknight dinner casserole awaits!

Let's Make Some Magic: Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Oh my gosh, are you ready for some serious comfort food ? This fiesta chicken enchilada casserole is like a warm hug after a long day.

Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that just makes everything better. I remember the first time I made this for my mates after a tough football match; they absolutely devoured it! We're talking layers of cheesy chicken casserole goodness.

Ready to ditch the individual enchiladas for something easy and even tastier? This easy enchilada casserole recipe is the answer.

Prep Like a Pro, Cook Like a Boss!

First things first, let's get our act together. It's mise en place time! Chop your onion and bell pepper. Shred that cooked chicken .

Measure out your spices and cheese. Have all your ingredients ready to rock 'n' roll. Organization is key here. I usually get everything prepped while the oven's heating up.

Bonus: less mess later.

Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe: step-by-step

Ready to dive in? Here's how we make this magic happen.

1. Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened.
2. Stir in 1 pound of shredded chicken , 10 ounces of diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 ounce taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, plus salt and pepper to taste. Heat through.
3. Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . This is important.
4. Spread a thin layer of 10 ounces red enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Layer 3-4 corn tortillas, half the chicken mixture, and half of the 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers.
6. Top with remaining tortillas and pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
7. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until heated through and cheese is melted.
8. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. Patience, young grasshopper!

Pro Tips for Casserole Champions

Honestly? The secret to a bomb enchilada casserole is all about the cheese. Freshly grated just melts better than pre-shredded.

Also, don't be shy with the toppings! Sour cream, cilantro, avocado...they all add amazing flavour and texture. Oh, and a sneaky trick? If you're short on time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken casserole .

It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner casserole , honestly.

Avoid overfilling the tortillas. It’ll be a pain to cut later. If you're feeling spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

It really amps up the flavour! Enjoy this delicious mexican casserole recipes that's perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Notes for Your Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole!

Alright, you're ready to whip up this easy enchilada casserole recipe . Here are some extra bits to help you along! These are just my random thoughts based on my own experience, of course.

Don't go thinking I know it all, haha!

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, even for a comfort food casserole . Once baked, let it rest at least 5 minutes before cutting. This will keep all the layers from sliding about.

Top each slice with a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro always looks amazing. For sides, try Mexican rice or a simple green salad.

I like pairing it with a cold Corona, the perfect way to keep your fiesta chicken enchilada casserole meal perfect!

Storing Your Masterpiece

Leftover enchilada casserole ? Oh, I doubt that will happen but keep reading just in case! Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.

Then put them in a freezer bag. It’ll last for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) or microwave until heated through.

Remixing your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Feel like mixing it up? You can make this recipe with just a few clever adaptations. It's still a chicken casserole recipe , but with a twist!

• Lighter Version: Use low-fat cheese. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Trust me, it's still delish.
• Seasonal Swap: Use roasted butternut squash in the filling during autumn. Adds a lovely sweetness and it's pretty easy to do.

Nutritional Nuggets

Alright, lets get into the facts, but not too much right? This cheesy chicken casserole is packed with flavour and protein.

Each serving (estimated) has around 400-500 calories. It also boasts 30-40 grams of protein. The chicken provides essential amino acids.

Tomatoes are full of antioxidants. Just remember everything in moderation, innit?

This chicken enchilada casserole is more than just a meal. It’s an experience. A simple weeknight dinner casserole that brings people together.

So, give it a go, and get ready for some serious yummy ness. Don't worry if it doesn't come out perfect the first time practice makes perfect, right? Before you know it, you'll have your own signature fiesta chicken enchilada casserole ! Now go have some fun in the kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken enchilada casserole recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a brilliant make-ahead meal. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly just like you'd do with a good shepherd's pie.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken enchilada casserole?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It's almost as good as the first day perfect for a quick lunch!

My casserole is a bit bland. How can I spice up my chicken enchilada casserole recipe?

No worries, easily done! Kick up the heat by using a spicier enchilada sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. Diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) added to the chicken when sautéing the vegetables also work wonders. Just like adding a bit of chilli to your Sunday roast!

Can I use different types of tortillas or cheese in this chicken enchilada casserole recipe?

Of course! While corn tortillas give it that classic enchilada taste, flour tortillas work just as well particularly if you prefer a softer texture. Monterey Jack is a great melter, but cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would also be delicious. Experiment to find your favourite combination!

What can I serve with this chicken enchilada casserole to make a complete meal?

To round out your Chicken Enchilada Casserole, consider serving it with classic sides like Mexican rice and refried beans. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice are fantastic toppings.

A light, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole, a bit like serving a green salad alongside a hearty lasagne.