A Delicious and Simple Chicken Enchilada Casserole for Beginner Cooks

If you’re someone who’s new to cooking or simply looking for an easy, delicious meal to prepare for family or friends, this chicken enchilada casserole is perfect for you. It’s a dish that requires minimal cooking experience yet delivers full, comforting flavors. I remember the first time I made this casserole—it was during a busy week when I needed a dinner option that wouldn’t take hours to prepare. I was a beginner cook at the time, and this recipe made me feel like a seasoned chef. The best part? It was straightforward and required just a few key ingredients. Fast forward to now, and this casserole has become a staple in my kitchen.

Print

Why is this recipe great for beginners? Well, it’s easy to put together, doesn’t require any advanced techniques, and is also versatile—meaning you can tweak it based on what you have on hand. The beauty of this casserole is in its simplicity and the wonderful flavors that meld together during baking. In addition to being a fantastic introduction to cooking, it’s also a healthy option, especially when using light sour cream and lean chicken. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning less cleanup after!

Ingredients and Preparation

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this chicken enchilada casserole:

• 4 cups shredded chicken (cooked however you prefer – grilled, roasted, or even boiled)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
• 1 cup sour cream (light sour cream can be used for a healthier option)
• ⅔ cup milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried chopped onion
• Pepper to taste

Feel free to make substitutions based on dietary preferences or what you have available. For example, if you’re not a fan of sour cream, you could substitute with Greek yogurt. If you want to make it spicier, you can opt for hot diced chilies or add jalapeños. The possibilities are endless!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps in preparing this delicious casserole:

1. Prepare Your Chicken
   Begin by preparing your chicken. You can cook it however you like, whether it’s grilling, boiling, or roasting. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, even better! You’ll need about 4 cups of shredded chicken. Once it’s ready, set it aside to cool down for a few minutes, then shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, you can get started on the other steps.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This will ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan and makes for easier cleanup afterward.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, diced green chilies, garlic powder, dried chopped onion, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture will be the sauce that adds richness and flavor to the casserole. It’s this combination of ingredients that truly gives the casserole that signature creamy texture.
5. Prepare the Tortillas
   Take your 12 corn tortillas and cut them into quarters by slicing each tortilla in half and then cutting each half into two pieces. This will create small, bite-sized pieces of tortilla that you will layer throughout the casserole.
6. Layer the Casserole
   Start by placing the tortilla pieces at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. These will form the base of your casserole. Next, add half of your shredded chicken over the tortillas. Spread it out evenly so that every piece of tortilla has some chicken on it. After the chicken layer, pour half of the sour cream mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly with a spoon to ensure every bit of chicken gets coated in the creamy sauce. Now, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer.
7. Repeat the Layers
   Now, take another 6 tortillas and cut them into quarters. Layer these tortilla pieces over the cheese, just as you did with the first layer. Repeat the process by adding the remaining shredded chicken, followed by the rest of the sour cream mixture and finishing with the remaining shredded cheese.
8. Bake the Casserole
   Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to bake for about 40 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the cheese will melt beautifully. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes if you want the top to get golden and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice. Serve your chicken enchilada casserole warm, and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Choosing the Right Chicken: If you’re new to cooking, buying pre-cooked shredded chicken can save time and effort. You can also use rotisserie chicken from the store to make this dish even easier. Simply shred it and you’re good to go!
• Preventing Overcooking the Tortillas: The tortillas will soften as they bake, but you don’t want them to become too soggy. If you find that your tortillas get soggy too quickly, try using slightly thicker tortillas or baking them a little longer to give them some crispiness.
• Checking the Chicken: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply cut the thickest part of the chicken—if it’s no longer pink, it’s ready.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the casserole in advance by assembling it the day before and refrigerating it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake! This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you have guests coming over.
• Adding More Flavor: If you want a little more spice, you can add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sour cream mixture. For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is hearty and filling on its own, you can elevate the meal by pairing it with some simple sides.

• Spanish Rice: A classic companion for any Mexican-inspired dish, Spanish rice adds flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy casserole.
• Refried Beans: Whether you make them from scratch or use canned, refried beans are a perfect side dish for this meal. The rich, smooth texture balances out the flavors of the casserole.
• Guacamole or Sliced Avocados: A cool, creamy guacamole or some fresh avocado slices provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Fresh Side Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing can provide a light and fresh contrast to the heaviness of the casserole.

For leftovers, this casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Engagement Features

Now that you have a delicious and easy recipe under your belt, I encourage you to give it a try! This chicken enchilada casserole is perfect for beginner cooks and can be customized to suit your tastes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or add your favorite toppings. Cooking should be fun, and the best way to improve is by trying new things.

If you decide to make this dish, I’d love to hear how it went. Drop a comment below and let me know how your casserole turned out. Did you make any changes to the recipe? What sides did you serve it with? Sharing your experiences helps not only me but also other readers who might be trying this recipe for the first time. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal!