The Cheesiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole

All the Bold Flavors of Enchiladas in an Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

Inspired by traditional Mexican enchiladas, this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole layers tender chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.

Cheesy Chicken & Black Bean Enchilada Casserole – Easy, Baked Mexican Casserole Recipe

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels, (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, diced
• ¾ cup stewed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce, (your choice of red or green)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Casserole:

• 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips or halves
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream, (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Filling:
  

  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the shredded chicken, black beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 5-6 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
• 2

  Assemble the Casserole:
  

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips at the bottom. Spread half of the chicken and black bean filling mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend).
  • Repeat the layers: top with the remaining tortilla strips, the remaining filling mixture, and the remaining cheese.
• 3

  Bake the Casserole:
  

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout.
• 4

  Serve:
  

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired.

Equipment

• Large skillet for cooking filling
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Recipe Notes and Variations:

Substitutions:

• Use ground turkey or ground beef instead of shredded chicken for a different flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use extra black beans or add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of spice.

Pro Tips:

• Pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) makes this dish even quicker.
• If you want a crisper texture, you can slightly toast the tortilla strips before layering them in the casserole.
• Feel free to add jalapeños or green chilies to give the casserole a spicier edge.

FAQs:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a little extra cheese if desired.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories	390
Carbohydrates	38g
Cholesterol	50mg
Fat	18g
Fiber	7g
Protein	28g
Saturated Fat	9g
Sodium	800mg
Sugar	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	7g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

Enchiladas, a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, have been a staple for centuries, originating from the ancient Aztecs who would dip corn tortillas into chili sauces. Over time, this dish evolved, with modern versions featuring rich, cheesy sauces and various fillings. The cheesy chicken enchilada casserole takes the traditional enchilada to new heights by combining the delicious elements of enchiladas with the comforting, easy-to-make nature of a casserole.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

The key to making a perfect black bean enchilada casserole lies in the layers. The tortilla strips soak up the flavorful enchilada sauce, creating the perfect texture that melds with the cheesy, savory filling. The chicken and black beans are seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and paprika, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

This dish is more than just a casserole; it’s a quick enchilada dinner that’s easy to customize. You can add extra veggies or spice it up with jalapeños or green chilies. The best part? It’s all baked in one pan, making it a hassle-free, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

• Tortillas: The base of the casserole, soft and flavorful when baked in sauce.
• Chicken and Black Beans: The hearty filling, spiced just right with cumin and chili powder.
• Cheese: A melty, gooey layer that binds the casserole together in deliciousness.
• Enchilada Sauce: The rich, savory sauce that gives the casserole its signature flavor.

What Occasions It’s Good For

• Family Casserole Recipe: Perfect for feeding the whole family with minimal effort.
• Easy Mexican Bake: A great choice for a quick enchilada dinner when you want something hearty and comforting.
• Baked Enchiladas: A fun twist on the traditional rolled enchiladas, this casserole gives you all the flavor with less effort.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

This cheesy enchilada recipe is the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and texture. The combination of chicken, black beans, and cheese makes for a satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly and baked in one dish. It’s also easily customizable for various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to please.