Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food recipe—the Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole! This dish has not only won the hearts of a family of picky eaters but also earned a place in the spotlight with a newspaper feature. Prepare yourself for layers of cheesy, saucy goodness, combined with the wholesome flavors of chicken and green chile. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this casserole promises to deliver tantalizing flavors and smiles all around. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this dish a must-try and how you can whip it up in your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients Needed
Main components of the dish
To prepare a delicious chicken enchilada casserole that serves up to 8 people, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
– 18 (6 inch) corn tortillas
– 1 (28 ounce) can of green chile enchilada sauce
– 1 (16 ounce) package of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 (8 ounce) container of reduced-fat sour cream
These items form the backbone of the casserole, providing its structure and main flavors.
Additional items for flavor enhancement
To enhance the flavors of your chicken enchilada casserole, be sure to have the following on hand:
– Garlic salt, to taste
This simple addition helps elevate the taste of the chicken, ensuring that each bite is perfectly seasoned.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish. Next, season the chicken breast halves with garlic salt to taste and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Bake them in the preheated oven until they are no longer pink inside, and juices run clear, about 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven, allow it to cool, then shred it and set it aside.
Assembling the casserole layers
While the chicken is baking, you can start preparing the tortillas and layering the casserole. Char each tortilla half over the open flame of a gas stove burner using metal tongs until lightly puffed, which should take about 1 minute per side. Pour about 1/2 inch of enchilada sauce into the bottom of another medium baking dish. Arrange 6 of the charred tortillas in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas, followed by one third of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, half of the sour cream, and one third of the remaining enchilaspda sauce. Continue by repeating these layers one more time, then top with the last third of the cheese and the remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring all tortillas are thoroughly coated with sauce.
Final oven baking
Once your casserole is assembled, cover the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes. After baking, let the casserole cool slightly to allow the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please any crowd.
Nutritional Information
When indulging in this delicious chicken enchilada casserole, it’s nice to know exactly what nutritional benefits (or indulgences!) you’re feeding your body. A single serving of this hearty casserole dishes out approximately 488 calories. From these, 25 grams come from fats, including 13 grams of saturated fat. The cholesterol content per serving stands at 95mg, which is a significant number for those monitoring their intake.
Carbohydrates are present at 33 grams per serving, including 4 grams of dietary fiber and 3 grams of sugars, aiding in your daily fiber needs. Protein is robust at 33 grams per serving, making this dish a great option for a post-workout meal or to keep you full and satisfied through the day.
Furthermore, the casserole provides some essential vitamins and minerals. It contains 11mg of vitamin C, 501mg of calcium, and 2mg of iron, contributing 12%, 39%, and 9% to your daily recommended intake, respectively. With 341mg of potassium per serving, it also helps in muscle function and fluid balance. It’s important to note that the 955mg of sodium per serving may require consideration for those on low-sodium diets.
Serving Suggestions
Image courtesy: Unsplash
Recommended accompaniments
To partner with the rich flavors of the chicken enchilada casserole, consider these delightful sides:
– Cilantro Lime Rice: The zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavors will complement the creamy, spicy notes of the casserole beautifully.
– Refried Beans: A staple in Mexican cuisine, refried beans add a creamy texture and hearty substance to your meal.
– Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn can provide a crunchy, sweet contrast to the savory and spicy enchilada casserole.
– Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a squeeze of lime can add a refreshing element to balance the dish.
– Chips and Salsa: For an added crunch, serve with a side of tortilla chips and a bowl of chunky salsa.
Tips for presentation
Presentation can turn a simple home-cooked meal into a special dining experience. Here are some tips for presenting your chicken enchilada casserole:
– Garnish Generously: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions atop the casserole after baking. You can also add dollops of sour cream or guacamole for extra flair and flavor.
– Colorful Tableware: Serve your casserole in colorful dishes or traditional Mexican-style pottery to bring out the vibrant cultural roots of the dish.
– Add a Slice of Lime: Placing a lime wedge on the side of each plate allows guests to add a bit of tangy zest to their portion as they desire.
– Layer Visibility: When serving, use a big spoon to make sure you’re showing off the beautiful layers of the casserole. The stratified look of tortillas, chicken, cheese, and sauce makes it visually appealing and mouthwatering.
– Use Fresh Ingredients for Toppings: Small bowls of freshly chopped ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce not only add a pop of color to your table but also allow your diners to customize their servings according to their tastes.
By focusing on these presentation details, you can elevate the dining experience and make your homemade chicken enchilada casserole look as incredible as it tastes. Enjoy your meal surrounded by great food and even better company!
Delicious Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium6
servings15
minutes35
minutes300-500
kcalThis Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the comforting textures and flavors of chicken, cheese, and green chiles, layered between soft corn tortillas and smothered in enchilada sauce. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week, offering both simplicity in preparation and richness in taste.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 cup salsa verde
1 (15 ounce) can green enchilada sauce
12 corn tortillas
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, green chiles, and salsa verde. Mix well to combine.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread a thin layer of green enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place four tortillas over the sauce, overlapping as needed.
- Spread 1/3 of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat layers twice more, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful journey into the heart of comforting Mexican cuisine. Perfect for any family dinner, this casserole balances the zest of green chile enchilada sauce with the gooey goodness of Monterey Jack cheese, all while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking to feed picky eaters or just want to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction and smiles around the dinner table. Serve it up, watch it disappear, and enjoy the rave reviews from family and friends!
