Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Delight
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Delight is a heartwarming dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, velvety sour cream, and a zesty blend of green chilies and Monterey Jack cheese, all nestled between layers of soft tortillas. Inspired by my mother's cherished recipe, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that evoke warm memories and will soon become a favorite in your own home. You can conveniently use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for added ease! Whether you stick to traditional flour tortillas or opt for corn, this casserole will satisfy your taste buds every time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
3-4 (boiled, cooled, and shredded)
cream of chicken soup
10 ounces (none)
sour cream
1 cup (none)
mild green chilies
6 ounces (none)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8-12 ounces (shredded)
black olives
6 ounces (sliced (optional))
flour tortillas
6-8 (cut into halves or quarters)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the chicken breasts in salted water until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mild green chilies, and black olives (if using). Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Prepare a greased casserole dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray. Depending on the desired thickness of your casserole, choose an appropriate size (9x13 or 8x8 baking dish).
4
Cut the flour tortillas into halves or quarters, based on your preference. Place a layer of tortillas at the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring they cover the entire base.
5
Spoon one-third of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla layer.
6
Sprinkle 2-3 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken mixture, covering it adequately.
7
Repeat the layering process: add another layer of tortillas, followed by another third of the chicken mixture and more cheese. Do this for a total of three layers.
8
Finish with a final layer of tortillas and top with the last portion of shredded cheese to create a cheesy crust.
9
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your delicious homemade Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Delight?
It is a heartwarming dish featuring shredded chicken, sour cream, green chilies, and Monterey Jack cheese layered between soft tortillas.
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use 3-4 chicken breasts boiled and shredded, or for added ease, a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Boil the chicken in salted water until fully cooked, let it cool, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
What size of cream of chicken soup is required?
You will need one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sour cream to create a velvety texture.
Are the green chilies spicy?
The recipe specifies 6 ounces of mild green chilies for a zesty but manageable flavor.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is recommended, specifically 8 to 12 ounces.
Are black olives a required ingredient?
No, 6 ounces of sliced black olives are an optional addition to the chicken mixture.
What kind of tortillas work best?
The recipe calls for 6-8 flour tortillas, but you can also opt for corn tortillas based on your preference.
How should I prepare the tortillas?
Cut the tortillas into halves or quarters before you begin the layering process.
What size baking dish should I use?
You can use a 9x13 dish or an 8x8 dish if you prefer a thicker casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking?
Spray the baking dish generously with cooking spray before adding the layers.
How many layers are in this casserole?
The recipe follows a layering process that is repeated for a total of three layers.
What is the first step in assembling the casserole?
Place a layer of cut tortillas at the bottom of the greased dish to cover the entire base.
How much chicken mixture goes on each layer?
Spoon approximately one-third of the chicken mixture over each tortilla layer.
How much cheese should I sprinkle on the middle layers?
Sprinkle 2-3 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of each chicken mixture layer.
What is the final step of assembly?
Finish with a final layer of tortillas and top with the remaining cheese to create a cheesy crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the dish for approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the entire dish is heated through.
Should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, especially if you use rotisserie chicken, it is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Can I serve this at a potluck?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal dish for family gatherings and potlucks.
What gives the casserole its creamy consistency?
The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream creates the creamy sauce.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by the creator's mother's cherished recipe.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe consists of 7 main ingredients.
Can I use a different cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its melting properties, you could experiment with other mild cheeses.
Is the chicken mixture pre-mixed?
Yes, the shredded chicken, soup, sour cream, chilies, and olives are mixed in a bowl before layering.
Can I make this casserole thicker or thinner?
Yes, the thickness is determined by the size of the baking dish you choose.