Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole Easy Texmex Delight

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a dish that’s both comforting and a fiesta in your mouth? Have you tried a enchilada casserole before? Honestly, this is Tex-Mex comfort food at its finest. It's packed with flavour!

Brief Overview

This Tex-Mex casserole is a simplified take on classic enchiladas. It hails from the American Southwest, and brings joy to families.

This Mexican casserole recipe is super easy. It takes around 50 minutes total. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

One big plus? This Chicken Enchilada Recipe is packed with protein! It's perfect for a family weeknight dinner. What makes this enchilada pie casserole special? It’s all the deliciousness of enchiladas, without the rolling.

Plus, it tastes amazing!

Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients. This easy beef dinner recipes for two is a total game changer. I like the fact that this is a comfort food casserole .

Making the Fiesta Happen

So, what do we need? For the large meal recipes , you’ll need chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a killer sauce.

Don’t sweat it! It's all simple stuff. We’re making a delicious Quick Enchilada Bake ! You know what I love? That it is an easy dinner recipes !

Ingredients & Equipment

Ready to whip up this awesome Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole ? Getting the right ingredients is key. It's all about layering those tasty flavors!

Main Ingredients Checklist

Here's what you’ll need to make this easy enchilada casserole sing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g )
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (around 2 tsp / 6g )
• 1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce ( 800g ) - Go for your fave: mild, medium, or hot.
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles ( 283g ) - Rotel is the classic!
• 1 teaspoon chili powder ( 5ml/3g )
• ½ teaspoon cumin ( 2.5ml/1g )
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ( 1.25ml/0.5g )
• Salt and pepper - to your liking!
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken ( 450g ) - Rotisserie chicken works great!
• 8-10 corn tortillas, quartered
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ( 200g ) - Or a Mexican blend, why not?
• Optional: Sour cream, cilantro, avocado, red onion for garnish.

Quality chicken is important. Make sure it's cooked through and shreds easily. The enchilada sauce is where you can really make the recipe your own.

I love a medium heat sauce for a little kick!

Seasoning Notes: Make it Pop!

This Tex-Mex casserole needs a little spice. The chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder give it that authentic flavor. Don't skip them.

They are essential! For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika. Oh my gosh! If you're feeling brave, a little cayenne pepper never hurt anyone.

If you are missing something, don't sweat it! Taco seasoning can stand-in for chili powder and cumin. Use half the amount! You know?

Gear Up: Equipment

Good news! You don't need fancy stuff. Here’s what you'll need:

• A 9x13 inch baking dish ( 23x33 cm ). Glass or ceramic works fine.
• A skillet or Dutch oven.
• Basic cutting board and knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

No fancy gadgets needed! A regular old fork works great for shredding chicken. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large skillet will do just fine.

An enchilada pie casserole needs to be easy, right? And it is!

This quick enchilada bake is perfect for a weeknight dinner. These large meal recipes are great for families. Enjoy this easy comfort food casserole recipe! You’ll find this Mexican casserole is one of those easy beef dinner recipes for two that you can easily scale up.

Give this chicken enchilada recipe a try! I think you will love it.

Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Your New Weeknight Hero

Fancy a Tex-Mex casserole that's stupidly easy? Oh my gosh, have I got a recipe for you! Forget rolling individual enchiladas.

This Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole , or Enchilada Pie Casserole as my Aunt Mildred calls it, is all about layering and baking.

Trust me, it is going to be your go-to comfort food casserole for busy weeknights. If you are looking for Easy Beef Dinner Recipes For Two look no further as you can easily substitute the chicken for beef

Prep Like a Pro

Before you even switch on the oven, let's get organized. This recipe is all about speed. First, get your mise en place sorted.

Chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the chicken. Honestly, prepping ahead saves so much time. I like to cook a batch of chicken on Sunday and shred it for the week.

Then, check you've got all your ingredients. This step is so important because there is nothing worse than realizing you are missing an ingredient! Having this ready is a great time saving organization tip.

step-by-step: From Chaos to Casserole

Here's how we turn simple ingredients into a quick enchilada bake :

1. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened.
2. Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce , 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes , 1 teaspoon chili powder , ½ teaspoon cumin , 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder , salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes .
3. Add 3 cups shredded chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes .
4. Layer a thin layer of chicken mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish .
5. Arrange 8-10 corn tortillas (cut into quarters) over the sauce.
6. Sprinkle with 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese .
7. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until bubbly.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Enchiladas

Want to make your Mexican casserole even better? Here's the gossip: Use a good quality enchilada sauce - it seriously makes a difference! Don't overlap the tortillas too much, or you'll end up with a soggy mess.

I once made that mistake and...well, let's just say it wasn't pretty. For a chicken enchilada recipe with a twist, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.

You could even make this large meal recipes the day before and bake it when needed!

You know, this taco enchilada bake is more than just a recipe for a delicious easy dinner recipes . It's about bringing people together.

It's about sharing a meal and creating memories. So, go ahead, give it a whirl. I bet you'll love it!

Recipe Notes for Your Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole is super flexible. Honestly, it's more of a guideline than a strict recipe. It's one of those Easy Dinner Recipes that you can tweak! Let's dive into some tips and tricks!

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Think of it like this: We are making the enchilada casserole look as amazing as it tastes! I love a rustic presentation.

Serve it straight from the baking dish. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe a few slices of avocado.

A side of lime wedges adds a zesty pop. Trust me, it looks amazing! This Tex-Mex Casserole deserves to be beautiful.

What To Serve With It

Okay, so this comfort food casserole is hearty. But you still want some sides, right? Mexican rice and refried beans are classics.

Also, a fresh garden salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Don't forget the drinks! A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita would be perfect.

If you have friends on diet, try sparkling water with lime.

Storage Tips

Leftover enchilada pie casserole tastes even better the next day! To store, let it cool completely. Then, cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.

It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating, you can use the microwave, oven or skillet. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Reheat at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, about 15- 20 minutes .

Let's Talk Adaptations

Want to mix things up? For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for black beans or roasted veggies. It works great.

Make sure they are well seasoned! For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cheese alternative. Also, check your enchilada sauce to ensure it's dairy-free.

These tweaks will ensure it's still an amazing Mexican Casserole .

If it is the fall, consider adding butternut squash. The sky is the limit with this Easy Beef Dinner Recipes For Two or more recipe.

Nutrition Nuggets

This enchilada casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. It also has fiber from the corn tortillas and veggies.

A serving has roughly 400-450 calories . Keep in mind this is an estimate, and it may vary. Portion size is key.

Remember moderation! You can still add the optional garnishes!

Honestly, this enchilada casserole recipe is a winner. This is a Large Meal Recipes crowd pleaser that you can make your own.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy this quick enchilada bake! It's a Chicken Enchilada Recipe that's just waiting to be enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make enchilada casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchilada casserole and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time saver for busy weeknights. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through when you're ready to eat.

Just like prepping your Sunday roast the night before, it will taste amazing and take the load off on serving day.

What's the best way to store leftover enchilada casserole?

Leftover enchilada casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

It's almost better the next day, like a good curry!

My enchilada casserole came out soggy. What did I do wrong?

Sogginess in enchilada casserole is often caused by too much moisture. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked chicken, and don't overlap the tortillas too much when layering. Also, avoid using watery diced tomatoes; Rotel is a good choice here.

Think of it like making lasagna you want it moist, but not swimming!

Is there a way to make this enchilada casserole vegetarian?

You bet! Simply swap out the shredded chicken for an equal amount of cooked black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of sauteed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. You could even use a plant based protein substitute.

The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you'll still get that delicious Tex-Mex flavour without the meat, which will satisfy your vegetarian mates!

Can I freeze enchilada casserole?

Yes, enchilada casserole freezes well! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

If baking from frozen, add an extra 30-40 minutes and cover with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the top from burning.

What kind of enchilada sauce works best in this enchilada casserole?

That's entirely up to your personal preference! Mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce all work great. If you're not a fan of spice, go for a mild sauce. For a bit of a kick, medium is the way to go, and if you like things really hot, choose a hot enchilada sauce. Experiment and find your favourite!

It is very similar to the same choices you get when ordering Nando's.