Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
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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?

  1. Great flavors: The combination of salsa verde, avocados, and shredded chicken creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
  2. Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
  3. 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:

  1. Cook the white rice in chicken broth with ground cumin, chili powder, and salt.
  2. Blend salsa verde, avocados, sour cream, jalapeno, and ground cumin to make the sauce.
  3. Layer cooked chicken, tortillas, sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
  4. 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:

  1. Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey and melty topping.
  2. 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.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as instructed, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
    While corn tortillas provide an authentic flavor, you can use flour tortillas if preferred.
  4. 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!

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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 68 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

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Make Sauce: Blend salsa verde, avocados, sour cream, jalapeno, and cumin until smooth.
  3. Assemble Casserole: Layer cooked rice, shredded chicken, tortillas, avocado sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish. Repeat layers.
  4. 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

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