Brunt'S Favorite Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A flavorful chicken enchilada casserole combining tender shredded chicken, tomato salsa, cheese, and tortillas, perfect for comforting family dinners and Mexican-inspired gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Chop the onion and sauté in the oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, salsa, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and cooked onions.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the dish.
- Place a layer of corn tortillas over the chicken mixture.
- Spread a portion of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle a third of the Monterey Jack cheese and sliced black olives over the layer.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese and olives on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. You can also substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Arroz Rojo (Red Rice) and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Phillip'S Favorite Enchiladas for a fun Mexican-themed dinner night.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken enchilada casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brunt'S Favorite Chicken Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 980 calories, with 28g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
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 freeze the chicken enchilada casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with Cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend cheese. Both options will melt nicely and add a delicious flavor to the casserole.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans or lentils and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. This will create a hearty and satisfying dish without compromising on 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).