Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This wholesome and comforting Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Made with tender shredded chicken or leftover turkey, this casserole is layered with creamy green chile sauce, tortillas, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also versatile and can be made ahead of time and frozen for future meals. Just increase the baking time for a delicious, bubbly treat your family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (unsalted or low-sodium)
diced green chilies
1 (7-ounce) can (drained)
sour cream
1 cup (full-fat or low-fat)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cream of chicken soup
2 (11-ounce) cans (or one can of cream of chicken and one can of cream of celery)
corn tortillas
12 (6-inch) (cut into halves or quarters)
shredded cooked chicken breasts
4 cups (about 1 pound)
finely shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (about 8 ounces)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
It is a comforting layered dish made with shredded chicken, corn tortillas, a creamy green chile sauce, and melted cheddar cheese.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and works perfectly with shredded leftover turkey.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 six-inch corn tortillas, which should be cut into halves or quarters for layering.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas provide a traditional texture and flavor, you can use flour tortillas, though they may become softer in the sauce.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat depending on the brand of diced green chilies used. You can choose mild chilies for a family-friendly version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
Can I freeze this enchilada casserole?
Yes, it is an excellent freezer meal. Wrap it tightly before freezing and increase the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses two 11-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup, or a combination of cream of chicken and cream of celery.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, either full-fat or low-fat sour cream works well for the creamy sauce base.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Finely shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, but a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack would also be delicious.
How much chicken do I need?
You will need approximately 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken breasts, which is about 1 pound.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
Do I need to drain the green chilies?
Yes, the 7-ounce can of diced green chilies should be drained before adding them to the sauce.
Is the chicken broth necessary?
Yes, the 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth help create the right consistency for the green chile sauce.
Can I substitute the onions?
If you don't like onions, you can omit them or replace them with a teaspoon of onion powder.
How should I prepare the tortillas?
Cut the 12 corn tortillas into halves or quarters so they fit easily into the layers of the casserole dish.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The sauce is seasoned with ground cumin, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While corn tortillas are gluten-free, many canned cream soups contain flour. Check the labels of your soup to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with Spanish rice, refried beans, a fresh garden salad, or corn on the cob.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking?
Be sure to grease your baking dish with cooking spray before you begin layering the ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish in a 350 degree F oven until heated through.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of canned?
Yes, roasted and peeled fresh Hatch or Anaheim chilies can be substituted for the canned version.
What makes this 'enchilada style'?
It uses traditional enchilada ingredients like tortillas, sauce, and cheese, but layers them like a lasagna for easier preparation.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a common and healthy substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How do I know when it is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its easy portability and popular flavor profile make it a hit at festive gatherings and potlucks.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with beans or roasted vegetables and use cream of mushroom or celery soup with vegetable broth.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a casserole, chicken, cheesy, green chile, comfort food, easy dinner, Mexican, and freezer meal.