Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This easy chicken enchilada casserole recipe makes it easy to prepare a Mexican-style meal. Tortillas, shredded chicken, flavorful sauce, and melty cheese are all combined for a hearty yet easy dinner.

One helping of this casserole easily constitutes a full meal, especially if you add extra veggies. And while it’s a crowd pleaser already, you can customize it however you like to make it an even more popular dish at your house.

When you’re looking for an easy recipe for a good casserole, try this easy chicken enchilada bake — the entire family will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Common Questions about Chicken Enchilada Casserole

How do you make enchilada casserole not soggy?

If you fry the tortillas for just a very brief time before using them, they’ll be less likely to become soggy.

What is the best cheese for enchiladas? 

This may be a matter of preference, but we prefer a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack. 

What kind of cheese do Mexican restaurants use on enchiladas? 

This varies, but cotija is a popular choice for cheese in Mexican restaurants.

Storage

You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer which makes this perfect not just for meal prep for the week, but also for having a microwaveable lunch ready, too.

Refrigerator: Store this casserole in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in individual servings in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. 

Tips 

Here are a few ways to make preparing this dish even easier so you get the quickest, best results.

• Use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time (rather than cooking it specifically for this dish).
• Grab already sliced or diced veggies for the toppings in the prepared section of the produce department to slash time off of prep.

Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients you can whip up a flavorful weeknight meal in nearly no time.

• Shredded chicken (cooked)
• Red enchilada sauce 
• Monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend (shredded)
• Refried beans 
• Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)

Serving Options

• Tomatoes
• Avocados
• Green onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Your favorite toppings

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need 

You only need a few standard supplies to make this delicious casserole.

• Baking dish
• Bowl

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This casserole is a quick one to prepare — the hardest part is waiting for it to bake!

1. Pour a portion of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a prepared casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
2. Slice the tortillas into halves and place them on top of the enchilada sauce in one even, single layer.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the remaining enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and refried beans. 
4. Spread a portion of the chicken mixture over the top of the tortillas.
5. Sprinkle some of the shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
6. Repeat two times with tortillas, chicken, and cheese.
7. Place aluminum foil over the dish loosely and bake. 
8. In the final minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to fully melt and brown.
9. Remove from oven when the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
10. Serve warm with a selection of your favorite toppings.

What to Serve With Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This casserole is a meal all on its own but you can serve up some sides, too. 

• Salad – A green salad will work well, or try grilled corn salad. 
• Chips – Tortilla chips with queso or guacamole is a perfect side. 
• Soup – Chicken vegetable soup is the perfect healthy side for enchiladas.

Why You Should Make This Easy Enchilada Bake

If you’re a fan of taco Tuesday, you’ll like this easy dish you can trade in as a substitute for prepping all of those tacos.

• Easy – This casserole comes together so quickly and requires so little cleanup. 
• Customizable – There are lots of ways to make this dish perfect for your, and your family’s palate.
• Delicious – Pack in all of the traditional enchilada flavors without a ton of work. 

Variations and Add-ins

Casseroles like this one are perfect for swaps and additions that customize the dish.

• Sauce – Instead of red enchilada sauce, use green enchilada sauce. 
• Heat – Add some extra spiciness to the dish with green chiles, crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce. 
• Vegetables – Slice up some bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach, red onion, or other vegetables to add in. 
• Beans – Add in black beans, pinto beans, or any other variety you like.
• Cheese – Use any cheese you like from cheddar cheese or colby jack to pepper jack or your personal favorite.
• Meat – Try using ground beef, pulled pork, or other meats that you enjoy.
• Spices – Experiment with adding garlic powder, onion powder, or other spices to the sauce.
• Citrus – Add a little bit of lime juice to the enchilada sauce for bright flavor.

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If you love this easy casserole recipe, you’re going to love these other easy dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Other Casseroles

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake

Chicken Enchiladas Verde

Chicken Spinach and Sausage Bubble Up

Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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