Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Casserole
This delightful Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Casserole is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses enveloped in layers of soft corn tortillas. It's an easy-to-make one-dish meal that brings everyone together for a comforting dinner. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this casserole is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor thanks to its zesty green chilies and spices. Serve it hot and enjoy a heartwarming meal that your loved ones will ask for again and again!
N/A
Servings
467
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4 (poached and cut into bite-sized pieces)
fresh spinach
1 lb (washed and chopped)
yellow onion
1 large (chopped)
margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
sour cream
1 cup (fat-free or regular)
green chilies
2 cups (chopped (canned or fresh))
cheddar cheese
12 ounces (grated)
monterey jack cheese
12 ounces (grated)
corn tortillas
10-12 (6-inch size)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a saucepan, poach the boneless chicken breasts in enough water to cover them for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
3
Remove the chicken from the water and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat and add the chopped yellow onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
5
Add the washed and chopped fresh spinach to the pan, cover, and allow it to steam for 5-10 minutes until wilted.
6
Stir in the chopped green chilies, sour cream, poached chicken, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to combine well.
7
Grease a large casserole dish. Begin layering your casserole by placing a layer of corn tortillas at the bottom.
8
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and spinach mixture over the tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
9
Continue layering with another set of tortillas, followed by more filling and cheese. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure the final layer is tortillas topped with cheese.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
42g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Casserole?
It is a one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses layered between soft corn tortillas.
How many calories are in this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary protein is boneless chicken breasts, providing 25g of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
Poach the chicken breasts in water for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
What type of spinach is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of fresh spinach, washed and chopped.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
The recipe uses a combination of 12 ounces of cheddar cheese and 12 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese.
How many tortillas are needed?
You will need 10 to 12 corn tortillas, specifically the 6-inch size.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The filling is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Add the spinach to a pan with sautéed onions, cover, and steam for 5-10 minutes until wilted.
Can I use fat-free sour cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fat-free or regular sour cream.
What type of onion should I use?
A large yellow onion, chopped and sautéed until translucent, is best for this recipe.
How do I layer the casserole?
Start with a layer of tortillas, followed by the chicken mixture and cheese, repeating until ingredients are used.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole is ideal for meal prep and can be easily reheated.
What gives the casserole its zest?
The inclusion of 2 cups of chopped green chilies provides a zesty flavor profile.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease a large casserole dish before you begin layering the ingredients.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 17g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 cup of margarine with butter if preferred.
What should the final layer of the casserole be?
The final layer should be tortillas topped with a generous amount of cheese.
Should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use canned green chilies?
Yes, you can use either canned or fresh chopped green chilies.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped yellow onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Is this a good dish for families?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dinner that is perfect for family gatherings.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas are specified for texture, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute.
How many chicken breasts are required?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breasts.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as both comfort food and a heartwarming meal.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on spinach, you could easily add peppers or corn to the chicken mixture.