This 4-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole is not only simple and quick to prepare but also packs a flavorful punch, making it a perfect dish for any weeknight. It combines the comfort of cheesy goodness with the bold flavors typical of Mexican cuisine, all while keeping the ingredient list minimal. Here's how to put it together:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 (14-ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 9 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican mix shredded cheese
- Optional garnish: Sour cream and fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into large, equal-sized pieces and place them in a medium saucepan.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Cook on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken using two forks. You should have about 2 cups of shredded chicken.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Lightly spray a 7 x 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Start by spooning ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Place 3 corn tortillas over the sauce, tearing them as needed to fit the dish.
- Layer ⅓ of the shredded chicken over the tortillas, followed by ⅓ of the remaining enchilada sauce and ⅓ of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat these layers twice more, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if using, and serve warm.
Tips:
- Cheese Varieties: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, to see which you prefer.
- Adding Heat: If you enjoy a bit more spice, consider adding chopped jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs well with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad.
This recipe is ideal for those busy evenings when you need something delicious without too much fuss. Enjoy the rich flavors and ease of preparation!
4-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This 4-Ingredient Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the epitome of comfort food made easy. With only four simple ingredients, you can create a savory, satisfying dish that's perfect for any night of the week. It's layered with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (approximately 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 (19-ounce) can of enchilada sauce
- 12 corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Layer the Casserole:
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce to cover the bottom.
- Layer 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping if necessary.
- Spread half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas, then pour about ⅓ of the remaining enchilada sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers (tortillas, chicken, sauce, cheese) and finish with a final layer of 4 tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
-
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
-
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Optional garnishes include chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced avocados.
Notes
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- For a spicier version, choose a hot enchilada sauce or add a layer of sliced jalapeños between the cheese and chicken layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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