Name: Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Quick + Easy Recipe!) Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1/2 cup enchilada sauce (from the total 2 cups); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus pinch as needed); 2 cups enchilada sauce (total, including the 1/2 cup used in chicken mix); 10 corn tortillas, torn into quarters; 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and downright comforting, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Quick + Easy Recipe!) Recipe that’s become a family favorite in my house. It’s one of those dishes you can throw together in no time, yet it feels homemade and special—perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Plus, this casserole is packed with layers of tender chicken, melty cheese, and that irresistible enchilada sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so you can serve up this deliciousness with confidence!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly Comfort: My family goes crazy for this cheesy, saucy goodness—it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable Layers: You can tweak the spices or cheese to perfectly suit your taste, making it as mild or bold as you like.
Great Use of Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to transform leftover chicken into something exciting and new.

A close-up of a slice of layered casserole being lifted from a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. The casserole has three main layers: the bottom layer shows a mix of chicken and beans in a creamy sauce, the middle layer is soft yellow corn tortillas, and the top layer is melted bright orange cheddar cheese. On top of the cheese, there are pieces of diced red tomatoes and green jalapeño slices with some fresh green herbs. White sour cream drizzle covers the top in thin lines. A long strand of melted cheese stretches down from the lifted slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play really well together to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that feels like a hug in a casserole dish. A key tip—look for a good quality enchilada sauce to make all the difference in the final flavor.

Cooked shredded chicken: Using precooked or leftover chicken speeds things up; rotisserie chicken works like a charm here.
Enchilada sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own if you have a bit more time; this sauce brings that classic enchilada flavor.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the spices and cheese.
Ground cumin: This earthy spice gives subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder: For quick garlic flavor; you can swap in fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch here to enhance all the flavors, but taste and adjust as you go.
Corn tortillas: I like to tear them into quarters for easy layering and texture.
Shredded cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds depth—feel free to experiment with other cheeses you love.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this casserole is—you can easily make it your own with just a few simple swaps or additions. Don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor it for your taste buds or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: I’ve added diced green chilies or chopped jalapeños for some heat, and it gives the casserole a fun twist that my spice-loving friends appreciate.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans or roasted veggies to make it meat-free and just as satisfying.
Different Cheeses: Mixing in queso fresco or even a bit of pepper jack changes up the flavor profile beautifully.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can prep it entirely ahead of time, just don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve to keep tortillas from getting too mushy.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Quick + Easy Recipe!) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. While it heats, mix your shredded chicken with half a cup of enchilada sauce, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Give it a good stir and taste—if it needs a little more salt or seasoning, now’s the time to adjust. This mix is the heartbeat of your casserole, so it’s worth getting it just right. I discovered this trick early on—it really helps balance the flavors before baking.

Step 2: Layer Like a Pro

Grease a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread about half a cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom. Now, add a layer of your torn corn tortillas, making sure they cover the entire base but don’t worry if some overlap—that’s key for structure! Next, spread a thin layer of sauce over the tortillas, followed by a generous helping of the chicken mixture, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. I like to repeat these layers—tortillas, sauce, chicken, cheese—until you end with a final layer of tortillas topped with sauce and plenty of cheese on top. This layering technique keeps the casserole saucy and cheesy throughout.

Step 3: Bake and Enjoy the Magic

Cover your casserole with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese on top is golden and melted. Resist the urge to dig in right away—letting it rest for 10 minutes helps it set up so your slices hold together perfectly. Trust me, this resting step makes all the difference.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Quick + Easy Recipe!) Recipe

Use Warm Chicken: Shredding your chicken while it’s still warm makes mixing with sauces easier and gives a better texture.
Don’t Overlap Tortillas Too Much: Too many overlapped tortillas can make the casserole gummy; tearing and layering evenly strikes the perfect balance.
Sauce Layers Are Key: I learned that spreading sauce between layers prevents dryness and keeps every bite juicy.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole rest helps it set up for cleaner slices and less mess on your plate.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Quick + Easy Recipe!) Recipe

This image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with four square layers of cheesy casserole. Each square has a top layer of melted golden-yellow cheese with white sauce drizzled over it and garnished with green jalapeño slices, chopped red tomatoes, and small green cilantro leaves. One square is taken out, revealing layers of mixed ingredients including corn, black beans, and shredded chicken beneath the cheese. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and nearby there are two white plates with the same casserole squares and lime wedges. A silver fork sits on one plate, and a wooden spatula is inside the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my casserole with fresh, colorful garnishes to add brightness to each bite. Sour cream is a classic, plus chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for freshness. Sometimes I throw on diced avocado or a squeeze of lime juice—these little touches take the dish to a whole new level and brighten up the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but I often serve it alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or black beans to round out the meal. A side of pickled jalapeños or some crunchy tortilla chips is also fun if you want a little extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I serve it straight from the baking dish family-style. For more festive occasions, try layering the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone loves having their own personal cheesy stack! You can even turn leftovers into hearty enchilada-inspired burrito bowls topped with fresh salsa and avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they typically last 3-4 days. The flavors meld even more, which is a nice bonus! Just cover it tightly to keep the tortillas from drying out or getting too soggy.

Freezing

Chicken Enchilada Casserole freezes beautifully. I like to assemble it in a freezer-safe dish then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer. When I’m ready to enjoy it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This has been a lifesaver for meal prepping busy weeks!

Reheating

Leftover casserole reheats well in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, reheating individual portions in the microwave works too—just add a sprinkle of water and cover loosely to avoid dryness.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this casserole?

Yes, you can! Flour tortillas work fine, though corn adds a traditional flavor and slightly different texture. Just be mindful that flour tortillas tend to be softer and might make the casserole a bit less sturdy, so layering carefully helps.
Is it possible to make this casserole spicy?

Absolutely! You can mix diced jalapeños or canned green chilies into the chicken mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference to keep it enjoyable for everyone.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap out the cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut-based sour cream. Be sure to check your enchilada sauce as well to ensure it’s dairy-free if store-bought.
Can I use raw chicken for this casserole?

This recipe works best with cooked shredded chicken to keep it quick and easy. If you want to start with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly and shred it before assembling the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Quick + Easy Recipe!) Recipe has earned a permanent place in my recipe rotation because it’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot. I love sharing it with friends who say it tastes way more complicated than it actually is. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a staple during busy nights or casual gatherings. So go ahead, grab the ingredients and make this cozy casserole your new go-to—your taste buds (and family!) will thank you.