Description: Cheesy, creamy, and perfect for cozy dinners! This casserole is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, offering a comforting and flavorful experience that’s easy to assemble and bake. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 flour or corn tortillas, torn or cut into pieces
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup salsa verde
- Optional: 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- Optional: ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
Preparation:
This recipe is all about layering flavors and textures to create a harmonious blend. The combination of creamy sour cream, savory chicken, and melted cheeses, all nestled between soft tortilla pieces, makes for an incredibly satisfying dish. This casserole is also quite customizable; feel free to adjust the ingredients to your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly, allowing the cheeses to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld together beautifully. While the oven is preheating, prepare your ingredients by shredding the chicken, tearing or cutting the tortillas into bite-sized pieces, and measuring out the cheeses and spices.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, drained green chiles, ground cumin, chili powder, and vanilla extract. If you’re using the optional salsa verde and cream of chicken soup, add them to the sour cream mixture as well. The vanilla extract might seem like an odd ingredient, but it adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to serve. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of oil to grease the dish.
Step 4: Start layering the ingredients in the greased baking dish. Begin with a layer of tortilla pieces, followed by a layer of shredded chicken, a generous spoonful of the sour cream mixture, and a sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat these layers until all of the ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a layer of cheese on top. This ensures that the casserole has a cheesy, bubbly crust.
Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. The foil helps to keep the casserole moist during the first part of baking, while removing it allows the cheese to brown nicely.
Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and makes it easier to cut and serve the casserole.
Why you will love this recipe
This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings together the best flavors and textures in one delightful dish. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Unbelievably Easy to Make: With simple layering and baking, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you like it mild or spicy, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more green chiles for extra heat or incorporate your favorite vegetables for added nutrients.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and dinner parties. Its creamy, cheesy goodness appeals to both kids and adults.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of creamy sour cream, savory chicken, and melted cheeses creates a comforting, heartwarming dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Great Way to Use Leftovers: Got leftover cooked chicken? This casserole is a fantastic way to transform it into a brand-new, exciting meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Satisfying and Filling: Packed with protein and hearty ingredients, this casserole is a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat, or divide it into individual portions for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one baking dish to clean, this casserole is a breeze to clean up after.
- Makes a Lot: Perfect for families or for those who like to have leftovers.
COOKING Rating
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5
- Flavor: 5/5
- Customizability: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole with a variety of sides to complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Mexican Rice: Serve alongside traditional Mexican rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Black Beans: A side of black beans, seasoned with cumin and chili powder, complements the flavors of the casserole perfectly.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Offer a bowl of homemade guacamole with tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
- Sour Cream and Salsa: Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite salsa for added flavor and zest.
- Chopped Cilantro and Green Onions: Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: A simple side of corn on the cob adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the meal.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad, made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, is a flavorful and festive addition.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make a comforting and filling side dish.
- Jicama Salad: A refreshing jicama salad with lime juice and cilantro provides a crisp and tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Tips:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and it’s ready to go.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Colby jack, to add your own twist.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn for added flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sour cream mixture for extra heat.
- Use Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose your favorite type of tortilla based on your personal preference. Corn tortillas will give the casserole a slightly different flavor and texture than flour tortillas.
- Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Lightly toast the tortilla pieces before layering them in the baking dish to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the casserole after 30 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Let it Rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to cut.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30-40 minutes Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-40g per serving
- Sodium: 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
The Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and customizable nature make it a versatile option for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply substitute the shredded chicken with cooked black beans, pinto beans, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini to make it even more filling.
- How can I make this casserole spicier?
- To add more heat to this casserole, you can incorporate spicier ingredients such as diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sour cream mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for an extra kick.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake it, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions.
- How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
- To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, lightly toast them in the oven or on a dry skillet before layering them in the baking dish. This will help them maintain their texture and prevent them from absorbing too much moisture from the sour cream mixture.
- Can I freeze this casserole for later?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze it, allow it to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.
