Description
A quick and hearty Shredded Chicken Enchilada Casserole layered with tender shredded chicken, rich red enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This comforting Mexican-inspired dish combines bold flavors and simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 8–10 corn or flour tortillas, soft
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Boil or roast chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked and juicy. Let cool slightly, then shred finely using forks or a mixer for tender pulled chicken.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the red enchilada sauce along with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce mixture until every piece is fully coated with the rich, spiced sauce.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Lay a layer of tortillas on the bottom, spoon half of the chicken mixture over them, and sprinkle generously with the shredded cheese blend. Repeat the layers ending with a cheese topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Warm tortillas slightly before layering to help them soften and blend better in the casserole.
- Use a thick enchilada sauce to avoid a watery casserole and soggy texture.
- Shred chicken finely for even flavor distribution and tender bites.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and improved serving.
- Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg