Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Layers of tender chicken, corn tortillas, and Monterey Jack cheese baked in a creamy, tangy green chile sauce. This comforting casserole is a weeknight dinner dream, delivering all the flavor of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook and Shred Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts dry and season all over with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- d.Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat using two forks.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Creamy Green Chile Sauce
- b.In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- d.Stir in the green enchilada sauce, diced green chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- e.Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This prevents the sour cream from curdling.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Casserole
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the green chile sauce and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well.
- d.Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- e.Arrange a single layer of 6 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the surface.
- f.Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Top with 1 cup of cheese.
- g.Repeat the layers: place the remaining 6 tortillas, top with the rest of the chicken mixture, and sprinkle with another 1/2 cup of cheese.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake and Serve
- b.Pour the remaining green chile sauce over the entire casserole, ensuring it's fully covered.
- c.Sprinkle the top with the final 1/2 cup of cheese.
- d.Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- e.Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- f.Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a shortcut, use 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
- 2To prevent tortillas from getting soggy, lightly fry them in a bit of oil for 15-20 seconds per side before layering.
- 3Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial. It helps the layers firm up for clean, beautiful slices.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 5This casserole freezes well. Assemble but do not bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with shredded beef (barbacoa), pulled pork (carnitas), or use 2 cans of drained black beans for a vegetarian version.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Use a Mexican cheese blend, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add one finely diced jalapeño along with the onion for extra heat, or use a hot green enchilada sauce.
Healthier CreaminessHealthier Creaminess
Replace the sour cream with an equal amount of plain full-fat Greek yogurt for a protein boost and slightly tangier flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With a generous amount of chicken and cheese, this dish provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall satiety.
Rich in Calcium
The Monterey Jack cheese is a great source of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Contains Capsaicin
Green chiles are a natural source of capsaicin, a compound that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brands of sauce, cheese, and sour cream used.