Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe with Cheesy Layers and Spicy Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde

This Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde is a go-to meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make, especially for busy families looking for something tasty on weeknights. You get simple steps that let you whip it up without much fuss, making it ideal for home cooks who want delicious results fast. Plus, the dish features fresh ingredients that bring a nice kick while keeping things healthy and satisfying.

One reason to try this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde is its ease of preparation, with straightforward steps that cut down on kitchen time while delivering a hearty meal. It’s also packed with health benefits, as the lean chicken and green sauces provide protein, vitamins, and antioxidants to support a balanced diet. The recipe’s versatility allows it to adapt to different needs, like gluten-free options or plant-based swaps, making it perfect for everyone at the table. Its distinctive flavor from the vibrant verde sauce and tender Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde layers sets it apart as a favorite.

To get more ideas for family meals, check out our best casserole recipes on the blog.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde. This section lists everything you need, based on a reliable recipe that focuses on fresh and simple components. We’ll break it down into a clear list to help you shop and prepare with ease.

Main Ingredients List

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 finely chopped garlic cloves
• 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
• 1 large diced onion
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• koshersalt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cans (10 ounces each) green enchilada sauce
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 18 corn tortillas cut in half
• 3 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 12 ounces)
• fresh chopped cilantro for serving

Special Dietary Options

If you have specific dietary needs, don’t worry this Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde can be adjusted. For vegan versions, swap the chicken with jackfruit or tofu and use plant-based cheese. It’s naturally gluten-free with corn tortillas, and you can choose low-fat options like Greek yogurt to keep calories in check.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde is straightforward and fun, starting with prepping your ingredients for a smooth process. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s layered with flavor and texture, perfect for any meal. You’ll end up with a cheesy, spicy bake that’s sure to impress your family.

First Steps: Prep and Mix

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your ingredients ready by shredding the cooked chicken, chopping the garlic, jalapeño, and onion, and cutting the corn tortillas in half. This setup helps everything come together without rushing.

Building the Layers

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the diced green chiles, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the green enchilada sauce for a flavorful base. Lightly grease your baking dish and start layering: place a third of the tortilla halves on the bottom, then add half of the chicken mixture on top.

Continue by pouring a third of the remaining sauce over the chicken, followed by a third of the grated Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers with the rest of the tortillas, chicken mix, sauce, and cheese, ending with cheese on top for that gooey finish.

Baking and Serving

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and add fresh cilantro on top along with a dollop of sour cream. You can tweak this for dietary preferences, like using vegan cheese if needed.

For more on healthy eating, read about jalapeno health benefits to see how this ingredient boosts your meal.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde

Adapting Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde to your preferences is simple and keeps the dish exciting. Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients or want to switch thingsist up, these swaps maintain the core taste while fitting your lifestyle. Let’s look at how to make changes without losing flavor.

For protein alternatives, try jackfruit or tofu instead of chicken to make it plant-based, or use turkey for a different twist. When it comes to veggies and seasonings, swap the green sauce for homemade tomatillo salsa, and add in extras like spinach or zucchini for more nutrients.

• Keep it mild by reducing jalapeño or use sweeter peppers.
• Go gluten-free with corn tortillas and check that your sauce is safe.
• Opt for low-calorie versions by picking reduced-fat cheese and yogurt.

Mastering Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde to the next level with these expert ideas. Learn how to enhance flavors and presentations for a dish that feels special every time. These tips come from real kitchen experiences to help you shine.

Pro Techniques and Flavor Boosts

Use fresh tomatillos and roasted peppers to deepen the sauce’s taste in your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde. Let the baked dish rest a bit so the layers set nicely for easier serving.

Try adding chipotle for smoky notes or lime juice for a fresh zing. Switch up the cheese to pepper jack for extra heat or mix in seasonal veggies to keep things interesting.

Presentation and Storage Ideas

Serve in small ramekins for a personal touch, topped with avocado and cilantro. For make-ahead meals, assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready the flavors get even better overnight.

Dive into chicken nutrition benefits to understand how this recipe fits a healthy diet.

How to Store Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde: Best Practices

Keeping your Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde fresh is easy with the right methods, so you can enjoy leftovers without any hassle. Proper storage helps maintain that great taste and texture for days. Follow these tips to make the most of your meal prep.

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep everything tasty. For longer keep, freeze portions wrapped well for up to 2 months. When reheating, use the oven at 350°F to keep it crisp, or microwave for a quick fix.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Verde

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🌶️ Transform your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing chicken enchilada casserole that layers tender chicken, zesty green sauce, and melted cheese into pure comfort food perfection
🧀 Master the art of make-ahead meals with this cheesy casserole that delivers restaurant-quality Mexican flavors right from your own kitchen with minimal effort

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons canola oil

– 3 finely chopped garlic cloves

– 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño

– 1 large diced onion

– 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

– 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– koshersalt and black pepper to taste

– 3 cans (10 ounces each) green enchilada sauce

– 2/3 cup sour cream

– 18 corn tortillas cut in half

– 3 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 12 ounces)

– fresh chopped cilantro for serving

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Instructions

1-First Steps: Prep and Mix Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get your ingredients ready by shredding the cooked chicken, chopping the garlic, jalapeño, and onion, and cutting the corn tortillas in half. This setup helps everything come together without rushing.

2-Building the Layers In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the diced green chiles, paprika, salt, pepper, and half of the green enchilada sauce for a flavorful base. Lightly grease your baking dish and start layering: place a third of the tortilla halves on the bottom, then add half of the chicken mixture on top. Continue by pouring a third of the remaining sauce over the chicken, followed by a third of the grated Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers with the rest of the tortillas, chicken mix, sauce, and cheese, ending with cheese on top for that gooey finish.

3-Baking and Serving Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and add fresh cilantro on top along with a dollop of sour cream. You can tweak this for dietary preferences, like using vegan cheese if needed.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌶️ For extra spice, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture
🧀 Make this casserole ahead of time by assembling it completely, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – add 10-15 minutes to the baking time
🌮 For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with 2 cans of black beans (drained and rinsed) and 1 cup of corn

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg