Description
Chicken enchilada bake delivers a delightful Mexican-inspired comfort meal packed with zesty flavors. Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and spicy sauce promise a satisfying dinner experience for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml/16 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
- 3 cups (710 ml/24 oz) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 cups (480 ml/16 oz) red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 oz) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 8 small corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 oz) black beans (optional)
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 oz) corn (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 oz) chopped green onions (for garnish)
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 oz) chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
- Flavor Fusion: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and sour cream, ensuring each chicken piece is thoroughly coated.
- Base Construction: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then create a complete covering with torn tortilla pieces.
- First Layer Assembly: Evenly distribute half the seasoned chicken mixture over the tortilla base, then generously cover with shredded cheese.
- Final Layer Build: Create a second layer of tortilla fragments, remaining chicken mixture, and a final generous cheese topping.
- Baking Process: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cheese Transformation: Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Finishing Touches: Let the enchilada bake rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
- Serving Suggestion: Present immediately with optional accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Moisture: Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts to ensure tender, juicy meat that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
- Layer Strategically: Break tortillas into uniform pieces to create even coverage and prevent dry spots, guaranteeing consistent texture in every delectable bite.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a blend of melting cheeses like monterey jack and cheddar for maximum flavor complexity and superior golden-brown topping.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free alternatives, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and select low-fat cheese options to accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg