Cheesy Chicken Chili Enchilada Lasagna
Dive into the delicious layers of this Cheesy Chicken Chili Enchilada Lasagna, a comforting twist on classic lasagna infused with bold flavors. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and creamy cheeses, all enveloped in soft tortillas. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves a crowd and brings the taste of Tex-Mex right to your dinner table. Enjoy it with a side salad or fresh guacamole for a complete meal that will surely impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
6 (ounces, softened)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Green Onions
8 (chopped)
Mexican Blend Cheese
2 (cups, shredded)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Ground Cumin
3/4 (teaspoon)
Fresh Cilantro
1/2 (teaspoon, minced)
Cooked Chicken
3 (cups, cubed)
Butter
1/4 (cup)
Flour
1/4 (cup)
Chicken Broth
1 1/2 (cups)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1 (cup)
Sour Cream
1 (cup)
Chopped Green Chilies
1 (4-ounce can, drained)
Dried Thyme
1/8 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Flour Tortillas
12 (halved)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, and minced cilantro. Mix well until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the cubed cooked chicken. Set this mixture aside.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously until smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, drained green chilies, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and the remaining cumin. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of the cheese sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 6 halved flour tortillas over the sauce. Layer one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by one-fourth of the cheese sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times (tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese sauce). Finally, top with the remaining tortillas, followed by the last of the cheese sauce and the remaining Mexican cheese blend.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lasagna is heated through. Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
16.5
Fat
25
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Chili Enchilada Lasagna?
This dish is a hearty Tex-Mex twist on classic lasagna, featuring layers of tender chicken, zesty green chilies, creamy cheeses, and soft flour tortillas.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include cooked chicken, flour tortillas, cream cheese, Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and green chilies.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350%F (175%C).
How long does it take to bake this lasagna?
The dish bakes for 30 minutes covered with foil, followed by an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for a different texture or to make the dish gluten-free, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How much chicken is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of cubed cooked chicken.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
What types of cheese are used in the layers?
This recipe uses a Mexican cheese blend, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Does the chicken need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for cubed cooked chicken to be folded into the cream cheese mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is described as a hearty dish that serves a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this lasagna provide?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How do I prepare the tortillas for layering?
The 12 flour tortillas should be halved before being arranged in the baking dish.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes ground cumin, minced garlic, fresh cilantro, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
What is the purpose of the butter and flour in the recipe?
They are used to create a roux, which acts as the thickening agent for the creamy cheese sauce.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate it, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What can I serve as a side dish?
It pairs perfectly with a side salad, fresh guacamole, or Mexican-style rice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil; it should keep for up to 3 months.
Is the dish spicy?
The dish has bold flavors from green chilies and cumin, but it is generally considered mild. You can add jalape%nos if you prefer more heat.
How many layers of chicken are in the lasagna?
There are three layers of the chicken mixture interspersed with tortillas and sauce.
What type of green chilies should I use?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies, drained.
Can I substitute sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a tangier flavor or lower fat option.
Why is the dish covered with foil initially?
Covering with foil ensures the lasagna heats through evenly without the cheese on top burning.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient choice for the 3 cups of cubed cooked chicken.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350%F until bubbly.
Can I use different types of onions?
The recipe uses both a medium chopped onion and 8 chopped green onions for a complex onion flavor.