2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Layer the ingredients as follows:
- First layer: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Second layer: Arrange corn tortillas to cover the base.
- Third layer: Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Fourth layer: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the filling.
Repeat these layers—sauce, tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese—until you run out of ingredients, finishing with tortillas on top. Spread the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top layer, then cover with the rest of the shredded cheese.
4. Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Rest and Garnish
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking—this helps it set and makes slicing easier. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and, if desired, serve with sour cream or avocado slices.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Use Corn Tortillas: They hold up better in baking and give an authentic flavor.
- Spice Control: Adjust the chili powder and choose mild or hot enchilada sauce based on your preference.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Freezer Friendly: Bake first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
A Dish Worth Sharing
The beauty of Chicken Enchilada Casserole lies in its versatility—you can swap the chicken for beef, use vegetarian fillings, or experiment with different cheeses. With its rich layers, melty cheese, and zesty sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring people together.
Serve it fresh from the oven with a side salad, some warm rice, or tortilla chips, and you have a meal that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious.
If you’d like, I can also give you a homemade enchilada sauce recipe so the whole casserole is made from scratch for maximum flavor. Would you like me to add that?
