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Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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This crowd-pleasing casserole layers corn tortillas, flavorful homemade enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, beans, corn, and lots of cheese for a Mexican-inspired dish that’s easy to assemble and perfect for family dinners. Stacked instead of rolled, the textures and flavors soak together for a delicious, saucy meal that bakes to golden, bubbling perfection.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • garlic
  • chili powder
  • ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • tomato sauce
For the Filling & Layers
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
  • 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels thawed
  • 12 corn tortillas 6-inch
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Add the flour and stir until blended. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, then stir in the tomato sauce.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Optionally, blend for a smoother sauce.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, diced green chiles, thawed corn, black beans, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Mix until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  8. Dip 6 corn tortillas in the remaining sauce to coat them, then arrange them in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
  9. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
  10. Dip the remaining 6 tortillas in the sauce and layer them over the cheese and filling.
  11. Add the rest of the chicken mixture, pour any remaining sauce over the top, and finish with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.
  12. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal

Notes

You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours ahead; simply refrigerate it before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold. For quicker prep, store-bought enchilada sauce can be used instead of homemade. Use flour tortillas in a pinch, but expect a softer texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven. The unbaked casserole can also be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

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