👉ChickenEnchiladaCasserole – Recipes on a Budget

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Discover the rich, comforting flavors of a Chicken Enchilada Casserole that’s both hearty and satisfying. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and a blend of savory spices, all layered with cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients Overview

Chicken (12 ounces): The star of our dish, providing protein and a tender texture.
Olive Oil (3-4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps to sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
Taco Seasoning (1 tablespoon): A chili powder blend for that classic enchilada flavor.
Mexican Style Beer or Chicken Broth (6 ounces): Adds depth to the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
Small Onion, Chopped: Sweet and aromatic, it forms the base of our sautéed vegetables.
Poblano Peppers, Chopped (2): Mildly spicy, adding a subtle heat and rich flavor.
Jalapeno Peppers, Chopped (1-2, Optional): For those who love a bit more heat.
Garlic, Minced (4 cloves): Brings a fragrant and savory depth to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a slight earthiness.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): For a touch of herbal complexity.
Tomatillo Salsa (2-3 cups): Tangy and vibrant, it ties all the flavors together.
Black Beans (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds heartiness and extra protein.
Corn Tortillas (8): Traditional and slightly sweet, perfect for layering. Flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture.
Shredded White Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Creamy and melty, also consider Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack for variety.
Fresh Chopped Cilantro: A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or pan to medium heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 2 minutes.

3. Simmer the Chicken
Add beer or chicken broth, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and shred the chicken in a mixing bowl.

4. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and heat. Add the onions and peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking for another minute.

5. Season the Vegetables
Add salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, stirring to combine.

6. Combine Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the mixing bowl with the shredded chicken. Add the tomatillo salsa and black beans, stirring to incorporate.

7. Assemble the Casserole
In the skillet, spoon some of the chicken mixture onto the bottom. Layer half of the tortillas over the mixture, then add half of the remaining chicken mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.

8. Broil or Bake
Set the oven to broil. Place the skillet in the middle of the oven and broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Alternatively, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

9. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and serve.

Helpful Tips

Maximize Flavor: Use Mexican-style beer for a rich, authentic flavor.

Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level by adding or omitting jalapenos.

Cheese Choices: Try using a blend of cheeses for more depth of flavor.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.

Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your tortillas and taco seasoning are gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Freezing: Freeze the casserole in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred it and proceed with the recipe.

2. What can I substitute for tomatillo salsa?
Green enchilada sauce or a homemade salsa verde can be used.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with more beans or a meat alternative.

4. Can I use flour tortillas?
Absolutely, they will give a softer texture to the casserole.

5. How can I make it spicier?
Add extra jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.

6. What other cheeses can I use?
Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend works well.

7. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.

8. How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Drain the beans well and cook off excess liquid from the vegetables.

9. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. Is there a low-carb version?
Use low-carb tortillas or skip them and layer with more vegetables.

11. What’s the best way to shred chicken?
Use two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.

12. Can I add rice?
Yes, cooked rice can be mixed into the chicken and vegetable mixture.

13. How can I make it creamier?
Add a layer of sour cream or a cheese sauce.

14. Can I use homemade salsa?
Absolutely, homemade salsa will add a fresh, personalized touch.

15. What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Use a regular skillet for the stove and transfer to a baking dish for the oven.

16. Can I add more spices?
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more cumin, paprika, or even a dash of cinnamon for warmth.

17. How do I prevent cheese from burning?
Keep an eye on the broiling step and move the casserole to a lower rack if needed.

18. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will yield better flavor and texture.

19. How can I make the casserole richer?
Add a layer of cream cheese or a drizzle of heavy cream.

20. Can I use red enchilada sauce?
Yes, red enchilada sauce will provide a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Secrets for Culinary Perfection

Marinate the chicken: Even a quick 30-minute marinade with lime juice and spices can enhance flavor.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cumin and oregano make a big difference.
Char the peppers: Slightly charring the peppers before adding them adds a smoky depth.
Layer flavors: Season each component separately to build complex flavors.
Add lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished casserole brightens the flavors.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set.
Use a cast-iron skillet: It retains heat well and gives a nice crust to the bottom layer.
Top with avocado: Fresh avocado slices add creaminess and a cool contrast.
Experiment with salsas: Try different tomatillo salsas or even a roasted salsa for variety.
Balance heat and sweet: A pinch of sugar can balance the heat from the peppers.
Add corn: Fresh or canned corn adds sweetness and texture.
Use quality cheese: High-quality cheese melts better and has a richer flavor.
Cook off liquid: Ensure vegetables are well-cooked to remove excess moisture.
Spice up the tortillas: Lightly toasting the tortillas adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
Mix cheeses: A blend of cheeses can create a more complex flavor.
Fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of freshness.
Use leftovers creatively: Leftover casserole can be used as a filling for burritos or enchiladas.
Broil carefully: Keep a close watch when broiling to avoid burning.
Add a crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
Sour cream dollop: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang.