Encheez-Lada
A cheesy, flavorful chicken and tortilla casserole layered with rich sauces and fresh toppings, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the chiles.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, Cheez Whiz, and ground cumin in a bowl.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained chiles to the mixture and stir.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture over the bottom of a 3 3/4 x 7 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Dip 4 tortillas in taco sauce and layer over the chicken mixture.
- Spread 1/3 of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layers of tortillas dipped in taco sauce and chicken mixture two more times.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 39 minutes.
- Top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk to the chicken mixture. If you want to reduce calories, swap the Cheez Whiz for a lower-fat cheese option. You can also use homemade taco sauce for a fresher taste. Make sure to warm the tortillas slightly before dipping them in the sauce to make them more pliable, similar to techniques used in Chicken Enchiladas Supreme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Encheez-Lada with a side of refried beans or Mexican rice for a complete meal. Garnish with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Nacho Casserole, making it a great option for a family gathering or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Encheez-Lada contains roughly 1415 calories, with 77g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (154% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (151% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2391mg per serving (104% 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 use a different type of cheese instead of Cheez Whiz?
Yes, you can substitute Cheez Whiz with a blend of shredded cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. This will give your Encheez-Lada a more traditional cheesy taste while still being delicious.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Encheez-Lada, simply replace the chicken with black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying while catering to vegetarian diets.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Encheez-Lada a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the foil and heat it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
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).