A Capella Chicken Enchilada

Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: Mexican

A flavorful chicken enchilada casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, green chilies, and melted cheese layered with corn tortillas, perfect for comforting family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
  • 1 chicken or 8 breasts, boiled and deboned
  • 1 pkg. corn tortillas
  • 1 lb. Longhorn cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, brown chopped onion in butter.
  2. Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and chopped green chilies to the skillet.
  3. Add boiled and deboned chicken to the mixture and stir well.
  4. In a large baking dish, layer portions of corn tortillas, chicken mixture, and grated cheese.
  5. Repeat layering until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
  6. Let the assembled casserole stand for several hours before baking.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for boiled chicken. You can also swap the cream of chicken and mushroom soups for homemade versions or use low-fat options. For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the enchiladas with a side of sour cream and fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican rice or a simple salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, you could also serve it alongside Chicken Soft Tacos or Chicken Chipotle Corn Soup for a flavorful feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of A Capella Chicken Enchilada contains roughly 610 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).

610 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 54.4g 70% DV
Carbs 26.3g 10% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 449.5mg 20% DV
Potassium 146.9mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 141.4mg 47% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 42.1mg 3% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute for Longhorn cheese?

If you can't find Longhorn cheese, Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses would work well. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.

Is it possible to make the enchiladas vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans or sautéed vegetables for extra protein and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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