Smoky Chipotle Chicken and Chorizo Enchilada Casserole
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Smoky Chipotle Chicken and Chorizo Enchilada Casserole. Designed to minimize waste, this dish was born out of leftovers and has quickly won over hearts, especially that of my husband, Malcolm. The succulent chicken pairs effortlessly with the smoky chorizo, bathed in a tangy chipotle tomato salsa. To strike the perfect balance, sweet corn adds a note of sweetness and tender flour tortillas soak up the flavors. Topped with gooey melted cheese, zesty jalapeños, and a smidgen of fresh herbs, this casserole is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. Adapt the spice to your liking, whether adding a mild touch with sour cream or cranking up the heat with fiery chipotle powder. This versatile dish can be prepared ahead and frozen, making it both convenient and delicious.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken
2 cups (chopped)
Hot chorizo sausage
6 inches (cut into chunks)
Mild salsa
2 cups
Water
1/2 cup (optional)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Dried chipotle powder
2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Corn kernels
15 ounces (drained)
Pimento stuffed green olives
1/4 cup (halved)
Sour cream
1 cup
Flour tortillas
6 (cut into strips)
Grated cheese
2 cups
Sour cream
for serving
Chopped jalapeno pepper
for serving
Cilantro or parsley
for serving (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease an 8-inch square or equivalent baking dish.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken with the chorizo chunks and set aside.
3
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the salsa, water (if needed), garlic powder, chipotle powder, along with salt and pepper. Stir well and adjust to your desired taste.
4
Pour a quarter of the salsa mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer a quarter of the tortilla strips, followed by some olives, corn, and the chicken-chorizo mixture.
5
Repeat the layering process with more salsa, tortillas, olives, corn, and chicken-chorizo until all ingredients are used, reserving some salsa for the top.
6
Spread a layer of sour cream over the final layer and pour the remaining salsa over the top. Add grated cheese evenly as a final topping. If preparing in advance, you can freeze the casserole at this stage for up to 2 months.
7
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.
8
Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, chopped jalapeño peppers, and fresh cilantro or parsley. It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad or a side of rice.
9
For frozen casseroles: Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as instructed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in this casserole?
The dish features succulent chicken and smoky chorizo bathed in a tangy chipotle tomato salsa, balanced with sweet corn and gooey melted cheese.
How was this recipe originally created?
This recipe was born out of a desire to minimize waste by utilizing leftovers.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken.
What kind of chorizo is recommended?
Use 6 inches of hot chorizo sausage, cut into chunks.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chipotle powder, or by serving it with extra sour cream to mellow the spice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What size baking dish is needed?
The recipe requires an 8-inch square or equivalent baking dish.
What ingredients are in the salsa mixture?
The mixture consists of mild salsa, garlic powder, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, and optional water if needed.
How do I prepare the flour tortillas?
Take six flour tortillas and cut them into strips before layering.
What are the layering instructions?
Start with salsa, then layer tortilla strips, olives, corn, and the chicken-chorizo mixture, repeating until ingredients are used.
When is the sour cream added during assembly?
A layer of sour cream is spread over the final ingredient layer, just before the remaining salsa and cheese are added.
How much cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated cheese for the topping.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, it should be covered with aluminum foil for the first 35 minutes of baking.
What garnishes are suggested for serving?
Garnish with sour cream, chopped jalapeño peppers, and fresh cilantro or parsley.
What are the best side dishes for this casserole?
It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad or a side of rice.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole for up to 2 months before baking.
How do I prepare the casserole from frozen?
Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, and then bake as instructed.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of pimento stuffed green olives, halved.
How much corn is needed?
The dish requires 15 ounces of drained corn kernels.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What seasonings are added to the salsa?
Garlic powder, dried chipotle powder, salt, and pepper are used to season the salsa.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect cozy meal for a chilly day.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients listed.
Who is Malcolm?
Malcolm is the husband of the recipe creator, and this dish is one of his favorites.
What type of salsa should I buy?
The recipe specifically lists mild salsa as an ingredient.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
Is the water mandatory in the salsa mixture?
No, the 1/2 cup of water is optional and should be used only if needed.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
The baking dish should be lightly greased before adding any ingredients.
What herbs can be used for the topping?
You can use either chopped cilantro or parsley as a fresh herb garnish.