This Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, a comforting classic elevated to a new level of deliciousness. Forget individual enchiladas—this casserole simplifies the process while maximizing flavor and delivering a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion calling for a flavorful fiesta. This recipe blends the familiar comfort of enchiladas with the ease of a casserole, resulting in a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make.
What Makes This Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole Special?
Several factors contribute to this recipe's exceptional taste and ease of preparation:
- Flavorful Green Chili Sauce: We're not talking about bland green chilis here. We're using a vibrant, flavorful green chili sauce that packs a delicious punch. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is slow-cooked to ensure it's incredibly tender and juicy, perfectly complementing the creamy sauce and cheesy topping.
- Easy Assembly: No more rolling individual enchiladas! This casserole simplifies the process dramatically, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra cheese, to personalize this dish to your preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Casserole:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilies, chopped green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through (about 20-25 minutes). Shred the chicken with two forks.
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Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture in the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the tortillas over the chicken, slightly overlapping them. Top with half of the shredded cheese, then the remaining chicken mixture, and the remaining cheese. Top with the remaining tortillas.
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Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream (optional) and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend would all work wonderfully.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to bake it.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture, or use a spicier brand of green chilis. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the casserole.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs perfectly with Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple salad, or your favorite Mexican side dishes.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great way to simplify the recipe further. Just shred the chicken and add it to the casserole according to the instructions.
This Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a true winner. Enjoy!
