Emery'S Ranch Chicken
Creamy, cheesy chicken enchiladas with a comforting blend of flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring tender chicken, savory sauce, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stew chicken until tender, then dice the chicken.
- Add cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, simmer until the mixture is creamy.
- In a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish, cover the bottom with a layer of the chicken mixture.
- Place 2 flour tortillas on top of the mixture, allowing slight overlapping if needed.
- Layer tortillas, chicken mixture, and shredded cheese repeatedly until all tortillas are used, ending with the sauce on top.
- Leave off the cheese for now and bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes at 350°F.
- After baking, top with shredded cheese and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use a spicy salsa. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the diced chicken. Consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup for a lighter version. If you prefer, swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. This dish can be a delicious alternative to Chicken Enchilitas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Add some guacamole and sour cream on the side for extra flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chunky Chicken Nachos for a fun twist on leftovers, making it perfect for game day or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until warm. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emery'S Ranch Chicken contains roughly 220 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1125mg per serving (49% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to heat through.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding cheese just before serving.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup by mixing equal parts of chicken broth and milk with a thickener like flour or cornstarch. Alternatively, try a can of cream of mushroom soup or a creamy cheese sauce for a different flavor profile.
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).