When the craving for a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful meal hits on a busy weeknight, this Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect answer. It delivers all the classic flavors of your favorite enchiladas but with the simple, layered convenience of a casserole. Forget the hassle of individually rolling tortillas; this dish is all about easy assembly and a big, bubbly payoff.
This is the ultimate dish for your next Mexican night! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in a snap, making this chicken enchilada casserole a staple in my recipe rotation. The creamy chicken filling, tangy green chili sauce, and blanket of melted cheese create a comforting meal that the whole family will love. This recipe simplifies a classic, turning it into an accessible weeknight dinner without sacrificing any of the authentic flavor you expect.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Quick & Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this casserole is perfect for weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of green chiles, enchilada sauce, and creamy chicken is simply irresistible. This is a chicken enchilada casserole that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Customizable: Load it up with all your favorite toppings and variations to make it your own!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance for an even faster dinner solution.
Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A few simple tips can take your chicken enchilada casserole from good to absolutely great.
What kind of chicken works best?
The beauty of this chicken enchilada casserole recipe is its flexibility. A store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy days. However, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand—baked, poached, or even canned chicken will work beautifully. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, just like in this fan-favorite high-protein buffalo chicken dip, which is another cheesy crowd-pleaser!
How do I keep corn tortillas from becoming soggy?
This is a common concern with layered casseroles. To ensure your tortillas hold their texture, you can give them a quick, light fry in a bit of oil for about 10-15 seconds per side before layering. This creates a slight barrier against the sauce. Warming them in a dry skillet or even in the microwave for a few seconds can also help improve their pliability and texture. Another key is to avoid oversaturating the layers with too much sauce; a light coating is all you need between the layers, saving the rest for the top.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
This chicken enchilada casserole is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s tastes.
Print
Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a quick & easy dish for Mexican night! Make it your own with your favorite toppings for a cheesy, flavorful meal!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
2 cups shredded cheddar
⅓ cup sour cream
4 ounce canned diced green chiles drained if needed
15 ounces canned green chili enchilada sauce
12 6-inch corn tortillas
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
Salt and pepper to taste
Topping Options
Sour cream
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Tomatoes
Jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/3 cup enchilada sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and diced green chilis. Mix until everything is combined.
Step 3. Pour 1/4 cup enchilada sauce into the bottom of an 8-inch x 8-inch baking pan and spread it out until the bottom is covered. Use 3 tortillas to cover the bottom of the pan. I cut or tear them in half to fill gaps.
Step 4. Spread 1/3 of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Cover chicken mixture with 1/3 cup enchilada sauce. Use 3 more tortillas to cover the first layer.
Step 5. Add another 1/3 of the chicken mixture and spread out over the tortillas. Add 1/3 cup of enchilada sauce and 1 cup shredded cheese over the chicken mixture. Using 3 more tortillas, cover the second layer.
Step 6. Add remaining chicken mixture and spread over tortillas. Add another 1/3 cup enchilada sauce over chicken mixture. Cover the third layer with remaining tortillas.
Step 7. Using remaining sauce, pour over the entire top of the casserole. Try to cover as much of the tortillas as possible to keep them from drying out while the casserole bakes. Spread the remaining cup of cheese over the top of the sauce.
Step 8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and casserole nice and bubbly.
Step 9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for easy to serve portions.
Notes
Nutrition does not include toppings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
- The Best Cheese: While shredded cheddar provides a classic, bold flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment. A Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a pre-shredded Mexican blend will give you an extra-gooey, melty cheese pull. For a more authentic touch, try queso asadero or Chihuahua cheese. After baking, you can also sprinkle some salty, crumbly cotija cheese on top for a finishing touch.
- Corn vs. Flour Tortillas: This recipe calls for corn tortillas, which offer a traditional, slightly nutty corn flavor that holds up well in the sauce. If you prefer a softer, more tender texture that blends seamlessly into the layers like a lasagna, flour tortillas are a great substitute. You won’t need to pre-fry flour tortillas, but warming them slightly will make them more pliable and easier to work with.
- Spice It Up (or Down): The heat level of your chicken enchilada casserole is entirely in your hands. The canned green chiles are typically mild. For a spicier kick, use a can of hot green chiles, or add a finely diced fresh jalapeño (with seeds for more heat) to the chicken mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder can also add a smoky warmth to the filling.
- Boost the Filling: Make this casserole even heartier by adding extra ingredients. A cup of rinsed and drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, or sautéed diced onions and bell peppers are all excellent additions that add texture, flavor, and nutrients.
- Make Your Own Sauce: While canned green enchilada sauce is a great time-saver, a homemade version can elevate your casserole. To make a simple sauce, roast 4-5 large poblano or Anaheim peppers until the skins are blackened. Peel and de-seed them, then blend with a small chopped onion, two cloves of garlic, a handful of cilantro, a splash of lime juice, and about a cup of chicken broth until smooth.
What to Serve with Chicken Enchilada Casserole
To turn this dish into a complete feast, pair your chicken enchilada casserole with a few classic side dishes.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: The fresh, zesty flavor of cilantro lime rice cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
- Refried or Black Beans: A simple side of refried beans or seasoned black beans is a classic and satisfying pairing.
- Simple Avocado Salad: For a fresh and cooling contrast, toss together some chopped romaine lettuce, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a light lime vinaigrette.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in a creamy, cheesy, and spicy topping adds another layer of incredible flavor to your meal.
- Chips, Salsa, and Guacamole: You can never go wrong with a bowl of crispy tortilla chips served with your favorite salsa and freshly made guacamole.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Life gets busy, and recipes that can be prepped in advance are a lifesaver. This chicken enchilada casserole is perfect for meal planning. While this casserole is a breeze to make, if you’re looking for another super-fast weeknight meal that comes together in a single pan, give our ground turkey and zucchini skillet a try.
Can I make chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just build it as directed in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
Can I freeze chicken enchilada casserole?
Absolutely. This casserole freezes wonderfully. For best results, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, but don’t bake it. Cover it securely with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red enchilada sauce instead of green?
Of course! Using red enchilada sauce will give you a completely different but equally delicious flavor profile. Red sauce is typically made with red chiles, tomatoes, and has a deeper, earthy flavor, whereas green sauce (salsa verde) is tangy and bright.
Why did my chicken enchilada casserole turn out watery?
A watery casserole is usually caused by excess moisture. Be sure to drain your canned green chiles well. Also, avoid using too much sauce between the layers—a light coating is sufficient. The frying or warming step for the corn tortillas also helps them absorb less liquid, preventing sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s easy to adapt. To make a vegetarian enchilada casserole, simply replace the chicken with two cans of black beans (rinsed and drained), roasted sweet potatoes, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Be sure to use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. For larger amounts, the oven is best. Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you love the simple, comforting nature of this meal, you should check out our Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie for another easy and satisfying dinner idea! This easy chicken enchilada casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest!