Posted by If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a family dinner or a festive Mexican night, this Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole is your answer. This casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that brings together all the classic flavors of green chili enchiladas but in a simplified, layered format. It’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and side dishes to make it your own.
Ingredients for Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that bring this delicious casserole to life. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or cooking chicken from scratch, these simple ingredients combine to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Chicken (Pre-cooked or Shredded)
For this recipe, you can use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or opt for the convenience of canned chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken. Both options will work well, giving you flexibility in terms of prep time.
- Alternative: If you’re looking to add more flavor to the casserole, try using smoked chicken or even slow-cooked chicken thighs. These options will add a richer, deeper flavor to your casserole.
Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese
A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese adds the perfect cheesy topping for this casserole. Both cheeses melt beautifully and complement the slight heat of the green chilis and enchilada sauce.
- Alternative: For an extra kick, you could add pepper jack cheese or a Mexican cheese blend, giving the dish a spicy edge and creamier texture.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is the creamy element in this recipe, helping to balance out the spices and add a rich, tangy flavor to the filling. You’ll also find that it gives the casserole a smooth and velvety texture.
Diced Green Chilis
The diced green chilis are what give this dish its signature flavor. They add a mild spiciness without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount of green chilis to your liking, based on your heat tolerance.
- Alternative: If you prefer a little more heat, you can substitute in roasted jalapeños or even use a can of diced green chilis with added heat.
Green Chili Enchilada Sauce
The green chili enchilada sauce is a key component, offering both flavor and moisture to the casserole. It’s what ties everything together, coating the layers of tortillas and chicken in a mildly spicy, tangy sauce.
- Alternative: If you can’t find green chili enchilada sauce, you can make your own using tomatillos, roasted green chilis, garlic, and some broth.
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are essential in this casserole for their texture and flavor. As they bake in the casserole, they absorb the sauce and provide structure to the dish, similar to lasagna noodles in a classic lasagna.
- Alternative: You can also use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, more pliable texture. For a gluten-free option, stick with traditional corn tortillas.
Cream of Chicken Soup
The cream of chicken soup adds both creaminess and flavor to the casserole. It’s a pantry staple that works well in casserole dishes, helping to bind everything together while adding a depth of flavor.
- Alternative: If you want a healthier alternative, try making your own cream of chicken soup using a combination of chicken broth, milk, flour, and butter.
Seasonings: Salt and Pepper
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven hot ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and develop a golden, bubbly top.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, a portion of the green chili enchilada sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients until well blended. Then, add your cooked and shredded chicken along with the diced green chilis to the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Build the Base Layer
Pour a small amount of green chili enchilada sauce into the bottom of your casserole dish. Spread it out to cover the entire base of the dish—this will prevent the tortillas from sticking and drying out. Arrange a layer of corn tortillas on top of the sauce. You may need to tear or cut some of the tortillas to fit the edges of the dish.
Step 4: Add the First Layer of Filling
Spread a portion of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Top it with another drizzle of enchilada sauce and repeat the process: layering tortillas, chicken mixture, and sauce until you have created three layers.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Layer
After the second layer, generously sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. This will melt into the casserole as it bakes, adding a rich and gooey layer of flavor. Add your third layer of tortillas, cover with the remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, but not burnt.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut clean slices without the layers falling apart.
Step 8: Customize with Toppings
This casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can dress it up with a variety of toppings based on your preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Sour cream: For an extra creamy and tangy bite.
- Fresh salsa or pico de gallo: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes: A cool and crunchy contrast to the warm casserole.
- Sliced jalapeños: For those who love a bit of extra heat.
- Guacamole: For a rich, creamy, and cooling addition.
Serve your Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 275 kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilis
- 1 (15 oz) can green chili enchilada sauce
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/3 cup enchilada sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in the shredded chicken and green chilis.
- Spread 1/4 cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Layer with 3 tortillas, and add 1/3 of the chicken mixture.
- Repeat layering tortillas and chicken mixture until you have 3 layers. Cover the top with remaining enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 275 | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 979mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g
