Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole! Packed with flavor and creamy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of salsa verde, avocados, and shredded chicken creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of this casserole ahead of time for a convenient and satisfying meal throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
Rice: Long grain white rice provides a fluffy base for the casserole. You can substitute with brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
Sauce: Salsa verde adds a tangy kick, while avocados and sour cream create a creamy texture. Feel free to add or omit jalapenos based on your spice preference.
Casserole: Shredded cooked chicken, corn tortillas, and mozzarella cheese come together to create a hearty and cheesy dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the white rice in chicken broth with ground cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Blend salsa verde, avocados, sour cream, jalapeno, and ground cumin to make the sauce.
- Layer cooked chicken, tortillas, sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce for an extra burst of freshness.
- Swap out the chicken for shredded beef or black beans for a vegetarian option.
- To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey and melty topping.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to set and meld the flavors together.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole with a side of Mexican rice, a crisp green salad, and a refreshing margarita for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option for this recipe. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as instructed, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. - Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas provide an authentic flavor, you can use flour tortillas if preferred. - Can I freeze this casserole before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how you like it!
PrintCreamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas, with layers of rice, salsa verde avocado sauce, shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 2 medium avocados pitted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 medium jalapeno (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Casserole
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 28 to 32 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Rice: In a saucepan, combine rice, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Make Sauce: Blend salsa verde, avocados, sour cream, jalapeno, and cumin until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer cooked rice, shredded chicken, tortillas, avocado sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes to the layers.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or hot sauce to the avocado sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg