Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Creamy and flavorful chicken enchilada casserole with sour cream, green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped chicken ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chili peppers ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onion and bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender.
- Combine the cooked onion and bell pepper mixture in a bowl with chopped chicken and green chili peppers; set aside.
- Prepare a roux by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in all-purpose flour, ground coriander, and salt; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, bringing mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and lemon juice until smooth.
- Layer the chicken mixture in a casserole dish, top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and pour sauce over.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. If you don't have Monterey Jack, substitute with cheddar or pepper jack cheese. To save time, use rotisserie chicken. Make sure to cook the roux until slightly golden for a deeper flavor. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This recipe is a great way to utilize leftovers from your favorite Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for a delightful meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish well. This casserole pairs beautifully with Cheesy Tortilla Dip for a crowd-pleasing spread. For added freshness, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro or avocado slices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 732 calories, with 11g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (244% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans or cooked lentils. For a different protein, shredded pork or ground turkey can also work well. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
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).