Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Need a quick enchilada casserole recipe? This Fiesta Chicken version, inspired by Southwestern flavours, is perfect for busy weeknights! Cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite. Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction: Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Your New Weeknight Go-To!

Fancy a bit of mexican comfort food? this enchilada casserole recipe is your answer! honestly, who doesn't love enchiladas? but sometimes, you just haven't got the time for all that rolling.

That's where this beauty comes in.

This isn't just any casserole with tortillas . It's like a lazy enchilada bake that's totally achievable after a long day. Trust me.

Quick Hook: Cheesy, Saucy, and Seriously Simple!

Ever crave those delicious enchilada flavours, but dread the rolling process? this enchilada casserole recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of enchiladas in a layered, no-fuss bake! it's quick, flavourful, and the perfect casserole recipe mexican for a busy weeknight.

Brief Overview: Southwestern Comfort Food Made Easy

Originating from a love for traditional mexican flavours, this baked enchilada casserole simplifies the classic enchilada experience. it's a brilliant shortcut to mexican recipes with beef (or chicken!).

This recipe is dead easy. it takes about 50 minutes from start to finish. this recipe makes enough to feed 6-8 hungry people.

Perfect for sharing!

Main Benefits: Healthy-ish Comfort Food

Packed with protein and fiber from the chicken and beans, this quick enchilada casserole is a relatively healthy way to enjoy your favourite comfort food.

It's fantastic for 2 night dinners . it's even better the next day! what makes this recipe special is its simplicity.

Anyone can do it. no fancy skills needed.

So, ready to dive in? Let's get started with the ingredients!

Right, let's get down to brass tacks with this enchilada casserole recipe . Honestly, the ingredients are what make or break it, innit? This ain't no soggy mess; we're aiming for flavour explosions!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Holy Grail

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Okay, pay attention, because this is important. You'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie? Absolutely fine, no judgement here.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil.
• 1 medium onion, chopped. Roughly a cup (150g).
• 1 clove of garlic, minced. Don't be shy with it!
• 1 packet (1 oz/28g) of enchilada seasoning. Grab it from Tesco, Asda, wherever!
• 1 (15 oz/425g) tin of black beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (11 oz/312g) tin of sweetcorn, drained.
• 10-12 corn tortillas (6 inch/15cm).
• 1 (28 oz/794g) tin of enchilada sauce. Mild, medium, hot – your call!
• 2 cups (225g) of shredded cheese. Monterey Jack, cheddar, Mexican blend? Bang on.

Quality indicators are key! For the chicken, make sure it's properly cooked and pulls apart easily. Dodgy chicken ruins everything. As for the cheese? Go for a good brand. It melts better.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

The enchilada seasoning is your best mate here. but consider adding a pinch of cumin and smoked paprika for that extra oomph .

If you're feeling brave, chuck in a finely chopped chilli. essential spice combinations make all the difference in casseroles with tortillas .

Flavour enhancers are your pals. A squeeze of lime juice after baking brightens everything up. And some fresh coriander? Chef's kiss!

If you’re out of enchilada seasoning (oh my gosh, the horror!), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne does the trick in a pinch!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

All you REALLY need is:

• A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Don't have one? A slightly smaller one works, you might just get a taller baked enchilada casserole .
• A large frying pan or skillet. For the chicken mixture.
• A mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.

Don't have a fancy garlic press? Use the side of your knife. Honestly, a fork works in a pinch. This easy enchiladas casserole is all about making do with what you've got.

So, there you have it! The lowdown on the ingredients and equipment you need for this enchilada casserole recipe .

Let's get cooking, shall we? it's one of the best casserole recipes mexican inspired for the whole family! and don't forget the mexican recipes with beef , you can swap chicken with beef if that's your preference.

Enjoy your quick enchilada casserole , perfect for those busy 2 night dinners !

I hope you found this helpful, and that you make the greatest Enchilada sauce casserole of all time!

Alright, let's dive into the world of easy enchilada casserole recipes ! honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? especially one loaded with mexican flavors! forget rolling individual enchiladas.

This is way easier.

Making Magic: Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

This baked enchilada casserole is a real weeknight winner. we're talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. this recipe uses corn tortillas.

This makes it a great option for those avoiding gluten. perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner. think of this enchilada casserole as deconstructed enchiladas.

Now, statistically about 70% of people prefer easy recipes. this fits right in!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organized. shred your 1.5 lbs chicken (rotisserie works a treat!), chop one onion , and mince one clove of garlic .

Rinse and drain your black beans and corn . this is essential for smooth sailing. it's all about essential mise en place to make your life easier.

Safety Reminder: Give that chicken a good cook until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) .

Step-by-Step: Building Your Enchilada Sauce Casserole

1. Sauté your chopped onion in 1 tbsp olive oil until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Stir in the 1oz packet of enchilada seasoning, 15 oz can of black beans, and 11 oz can of corn.
4. Mix in the shredded chicken.
5. Spread a thin layer of 28 oz can of enchilada sauce in your 9x13 inch baking dish .
6. Layer with tortillas, chicken mixture, and 2 cups of cheese.
7. Repeat layers.
8. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for Casseroles With Tortillas

• Don't overfill the layers. This helps to ensure that each serving is full.
• Common Mistake : Overbaking. Check regularly after 25 minutes to avoid burning the cheese.
• Make-Ahead Option : Assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep wrapped it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, bake as directed when you are ready for it. Honestly, I've even used leftover taco meat in a pinch! The variations are endless!

This quick enchilada casserole is the ultimate comfort food and is one of those 2 night dinners where everyone will look forward to leftovers!.

It's a crowd-pleaser. it is sure to be a favorite among all your casserole recipes mexican . so get in the kitchen and have a go! this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite mexican recipes with beef (if you chose to use beef) or chicken.

Happy cooking, you legends!

Right, let's get to the nitty-gritty of this absolutely belting Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole . You've got the recipe, now let's make it your own.

Recipe Notes

Serving Like a Pro

Right, so you've just baked this enchilada casserole recipe . now, how do you make it look pretty? honestly, a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro goes a long way.

You know? think rustic, not restaurant.

For sides, keep it simple. I'd suggest some Mexican rice or a quick coleslaw. Fancy a drink? A cheeky margarita never hurt anyone.

Storage: No Drama

Leftovers? Lucky you! This baked enchilada casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container. I've had it longer. Honestly, I'm still here.

Fancy freezing it? go for it! wrap individual portions tightly in foil and then pop them in a freezer bag.

It'll last for up to 3 months. to reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake it in the oven until heated through.

Or, you know, microwave it if you're impatient.

Twist It Up!

Want to mix things up? This quick enchilada casserole is super adaptable.

• Veggie Vibes: Swap the chicken for lentils or tofu. Bulk it up with some extra veggies like bell peppers. This is a great way to create one of those delicious casseroles with tortillas without any meat.
• Spice It Up (or Down!): Not a fan of the heat? Use mild enchilada sauce. Feeling brave? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. I am telling you, the Enchilada Sauce Casserole possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food, but it's not all bad either. it's got protein from the chicken and fibre from the beans and corn.

The estimated nutrition per serving is around 450 calories, 35g protein, 20g fat, 40g carbs, 8g fiber, 5g sugar, and 800mg sodium.

It's packed with roughly 35g of protein, so it’s a pretty decent meal if you’re trying to get a bit of protein in your diet, innit?

This easy enchiladas casserole also provides some calcium from the cheese, some fiber from the beans, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

Of course, you can modify it to make it even healthier.

So there you have it. my notes on this banging enchilada casserole recipe . don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

It's all about making something delicious that you and your family will love. good luck, you got this! this will surely be one of your best 2 night dinners ever! also, feel free to consider the mexican recipes with beef option, for a new take on this casserole recipes mexican sensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this enchilada casserole recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. It might need a few extra minutes of baking time if it's going in cold.

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

To store leftover enchilada casserole, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the tortillas might change slightly after freezing and thawing – think of it as a rustic, homely feel!

My enchilada casserole is too dry, what can I do?

Nobody wants a dry casserole, right? If your enchilada casserole is a bit on the dry side, there are a couple of things you can try. Next time, be more generous with the enchilada sauce when layering. You can also add a bit of chicken broth or even a dollop of sour cream to the chicken mixture for extra moisture. You could even try covering the casserole with foil for the first half of baking to retain moisture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this enchilada casserole recipe?

Yes, indeed! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by swapping out the chicken. Good options include using cooked lentils, crumbled tofu (make sure to press out excess water!), or simply adding more black beans and corn. You might also want to toss in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture - a proper meat-free marvel, guv'nor!

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas in this enchilada casserole recipe?

While corn tortillas are more traditional in enchilada casseroles, you can absolutely use flour tortillas if that's what you have on hand or prefer. Just be aware that the texture will be slightly different – flour tortillas tend to be softer. The end result will still be delicious, though, so don't let that stop you from whipping up this Fiesta Chicken Enchilada Casserole!

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