Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and gooey cheese, it's a hearty dish the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress. Don't miss out on the chance to make this comfort food classic! Click through for the full recipe and start cooking today!
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie for flavor)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (choose between red or green based on your preference)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned works)
1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or a mix for color)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is recommended)
8-10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
![To make a savory chicken enchilada casserole, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken - 1 can (15 oz) black beans - 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce - 1 cup corn kernels - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cups shredded cheese - 8-10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped These ingredients work together to create rich flavors and satisfying textures in your casserole. You'll want to use cooked, shredded chicken for ease, but feel free to use rotisserie chicken for extra taste. The black beans add protein and fiber, while corn brings sweetness. The bell pepper and onion lend freshness and crunch. Cheese is key in this dish, so a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives you the best melt. Corn tortillas act as the base layers, soaking up flavor and keeping the dish hearty. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies, while spices like cumin and garlic powder elevate the taste. Finally, cilantro adds a fresh touch when you serve. For the full recipe, follow the steps to bring these ingredients together into a delicious casserole. Happy cooking! - Prepping the ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded. Dice the bell pepper and onion into small pieces. Rinse the black beans and corn if needed. This makes cooking easier. - Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps cook the casserole evenly. - Sautéing vegetables: In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. - Combining the filling: Next, mix in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, ground cumin, garlic powder, and half of the enchilada sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This warms everything through. - Layering ingredients: Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place half of the tortilla quarters on top. Then, add half of the chicken mix and half of the cheese. - Baking instructions: Repeat the layers with the rest of the tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese. Pour any leftover enchilada sauce over the top layer of cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and a light golden color. Enjoy your savory Chicken Enchilada Casserole! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To boost the flavor of your chicken enchilada casserole, I recommend a few easy changes. First, try adding more spices like smoked paprika or chili powder. Both will give your dish a deeper taste. For the cheese, I love a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar. It melts well and adds a rich flavor. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick. When it comes to sauce, red enchilada sauce has a nice sweetness, while green sauce is tangier. Choose based on your taste! For a perfect bake, cover the casserole with foil during the first half of cooking. This step keeps moisture in and ensures everything heats evenly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Aim for a bubbly, golden top. When it’s time to slice, use a sharp knife. Cut through the layers gently to keep them intact. Serve each piece with a garnish of cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. If you're looking for lighter options, consider using low-fat cheese. It melts well and cuts calories. For the tortillas, try corn tortillas made with whole grain. They are often lighter and add a nice texture. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs! {{image_4}} Vegetarian options For a tasty vegetarian version, swap the chicken for black beans or lentils. You can also add more beans, like pinto or kidney beans. This keeps the protein but makes it meat-free. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for added flavor. Gluten-free solutions To make this casserole gluten-free, choose corn tortillas labeled as gluten-free. Some brands offer great taste and texture. Also, check the enchilada sauce for gluten. Many brands make gluten-free options, ensuring your dish is safe for everyone. Adding spices for a kick If you want to spice things up, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. This gives your casserole a fun twist. Additional vegetables to include Feel free to add more veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms blend well. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds more color to your dish. Side dishes that complement Serve your casserole with a fresh salad or tortilla chips. A simple green salad with lime dressing works great. You can also add refried beans or Spanish rice for a heartier meal. These sides balance the flavors and add variety. Best beverages to pair with For drinks, try serving iced tea or a light beer. A fruity soda can also be refreshing. If you want something special, make a margarita for a festive touch. These drinks enhance the meal and make it more enjoyable. Try out these variations and find what you love best! For the full recipe, be sure to check the instructions above. To keep your Chicken Enchilada Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight lid or wrap to cover it. This way, it won’t dry out. It lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always let it cool before you seal it up. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into serving sizes. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags to pack it. Remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. Your casserole can stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, here’s how to reheat your casserole. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of 1 to 2 minutes until warm. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. To keep that nice texture, avoid overheating. Enjoy your Chicken Enchilada Casserole just like the first time! What is the best way to store chicken enchilada casserole? Store your chicken enchilada casserole in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers and wrap it well. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can use a slow cooker! Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker as you would in a baking dish. Cook it on low for about 4-6 hours. This method makes the flavors blend nicely. How can I make it dairy-free? To make the casserole dairy-free, simply skip the cheese. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or add extra veggies for creaminess. You can also use coconut milk mixed with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. What's the difference between red and green enchilada sauce? Red enchilada sauce is made from red chili peppers, giving it a rich, deep flavor. Green enchilada sauce comes from tomatillos and green chilies, offering a lighter, tangy taste. Both sauces work well, so choose based on your flavor preference. Can I prep it ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it in the baking dish but don't bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven. This saves time on busy days! For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps to make this tasty dish. This blog post covered how to make a delicious chicken enchilada casserole. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to enhance your dish. You learned about variations for dietary needs and how to store and reheat leftovers properly. In the end, this recipe is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making this dish your own with your favorite flavors!](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2a394282-86fd-4134-9c62-f4574f34090e-250x250.webp)