Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner

Editor: Arshita Tiwari on Apr 29,2025

Craving a hearty and flavorful dish that satisfies the whole family? This enchilada casserole recipe delivers all the bold Mexican-inspired flavors you love—layered with tender meat, savory sauce, gooey cheese, and warm tortillas. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight meal or feeding a hungry crowd, this easy enchilada casserole is your go-to solution. It’s fuss-free, customizable, and comes together in just a few simple steps.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ultimate chicken enchilada casserole recipe, plus a variation for a slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole for set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Let’s dig into one of the most comforting and delicious dinner ideas for families!

What is an Enchilada Casserole?

An enchilada casserole is an elegant version of the traditional enchiladas, where tortillas, meat, sauce, and cheese are stacked one upon the other in a baking dish instead of rolling each of them. A one-pan wonder, flavorful with easy preparations, is best used for meal-purpose or leftovers.

Think of it as a Mexican-style lasagna in which every mouthful explodes with the comforting texture and zesty spices.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Quick easy: One hour and under with minimal prep. 
• Family-favored: Everyone loves it-from toddlers to grown-ups-the cheesy and saucy appeal of layered enchiladas. 
• Make-ahead magic: Bring it together and pop it in the oven later. 
• Freezer-friendly: Leftovers will keep well, or double the recipe for another meal down the road. 
• Flexible: Chicken, beef, beans, vegetables-you can customize it to your taste. 

You may also like: The Ultimate Guide to Making Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Casserole. 

These are the basic components for a classic chicken enchilada casserole: 

Major Components: 

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly) 
• 10 corn tortillas (or flour, if preferred) 
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade) 
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar) 
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned) 
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions 
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Optional Toppings: 

• Sour cream 
• Fresh cilantro 
• Diced avocado 
• Jalapeños 
• Salsa or pico de gallo

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Make this awesome enchilada casserole recipe at home by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, garlic powder, green onion, and about 1/2 cup enchilada sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread a small layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then layer as follows:

• Tortillas (cut in half to fit the dish, overlapping as needed)
• Chicken mixture
• Cheese
• Enchilada sauce

Repeat the layers two more times or until the dish is filled. End with plenty of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Top with your favorite garnishes, from sour cream to avocado.

Also check: Classic Tuna Casserole Recipe - A Nostalgic Comfort Dish

Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken to get a speedy preparation and a lot of flavor.
• The enchilada sauce is entirely yours to prepare, should you desire a deeper, spicier flavor.
• Don't overlay—three layers are usually enough to avoid sogginess.
• Rest it before cutting for an intact layering effect.
• Double this recipe and freeze one for those busy weeknights.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

If you prefer "set it and forget it," the slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole version is wonderful. Put everything inside the crockpot, and come home to dinner, all melted and good.

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breast
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheese + extra for topping
• 6 corn tortillas

Instructions:

• Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Pour in the enchilada sauce, beans, corn, onions, and spices.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
• Once chicken is cooked, shred the meat within the slow cooker.
• Tear tortilla into pieces and add to the mixture.
• Sprinkle more cheese on top and wait an additional 15 minutes before serving with the lid on. 
• Serve warm alongside sour cream and cilantro.

This slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole is warm, low maintenance, and perfect for busy evenings.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Advance Preparation:

Assemble the enchilada casserole ahead of time without baking it, seal it tightly, and refrigerate for not longer than 24 hours. Bake according to the directions when it is ready to eat.

Freezing:

• After baking, cool the casserole completely.
• Wrap in foil and place in a container or bag that is airtight.
• Freeze for 3 months maximum.
• Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warm all through.

Serving Suggestions

Offer these delicious sides with enchilada casserole to round out the perfect meal: 

• Spanish rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Guacamole with tortilla chips
• Mexican street corn (elote) 
• Fresh salad with lime dressing 

Variations to Try

Want to jazz things up a bit? Here are some tasty spins on the classic enchilada casserole recipe: 

Beef Enchilada Casserole 

Replace the chicken with seasoned ground beef and add sautéed onions and bell peppers. 

Vegetarian Version 

Use roasted vegetables, extra beans, and plant-based cheese for a meat-free option. 

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole 

Combine diced green chilies with green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist. 

Keto-Friendly Variation 

Use thin zucchini or eggplant slices in place of tortillas. 

Nutritional information per serving 

Nutritional values per 6 servings of classic chicken enchilada casserole: 

• Calories: 420; 
• Protein: 30g; 
• Carbohydrates: 25g; 
• Fat: 22g; 
• Fiber: 5g;
• Sodium: 820mg. 

(Note: Nutrition may vary by exact ingredients used.)

Must Read: 10 Best Baked Ziti Casserole Recipes for Italian Food Lovers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

A: Yes, both work, but the corn ones will give you the most authentic texture and flavor.

Q: What cheese is the best on enchilada casserole?

A: A Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack all melted beautifully.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free? 

A: Absolutely! It is as easy as swapping the corn tortillas and sauce with a gluten-free version, and then it is completely gluten friendly. 

Q: Is this recipe hot? 

A: It's pretty mild; you can crank it up with some jalapeños or hot enchilada sauce.

Final Thoughts

This easy enchilada casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food—delicious, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family. Whether you’re making a quick chicken enchilada casserole in the oven or trying the slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole for a low-effort dinner, you’ll end up with a flavorful, satisfying dish that everyone will ask for again and again.

Try it tonight and add it to your list of family dinner favorites. With so many ways to tweak it, this is one casserole you’ll never get bored of.

This content was created by AI