Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners, and this enchilada version is no exception. The whole casserole can be built and left to hang out in the refrigerator for up to three days—just bake it off on a busy night and you have a healthy, easy dinner on the table in no time. The quick homemade enchilada sauce in this recipe is great when you don't have any of the canned sauce on hand; just season crushed tomatoes with spices and salt for an instant enchilada sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

    28 ounce

  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 corn tortillas

    cut into wedges

  • 1 can black beans

    rinsed and drained, 15 ounce

  • 1 cup chopped Meal-Prep Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs

    see associated recipe

  • 2 cups Sautéed Peppers & Onions

    see associated recipe

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

    divided, 6 ounces

Directions

  1. 1

    Stir tomatoes, cumin, chile powder and salt together in a medium bowl. Coat a 7- or 8-by-11-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Spoon 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange 1/3 of the tortilla wedges over the tomato sauce. Top with half of the beans, half of the chicken and half of the pepper mixture. Top with 1 cup sauce and 1/2 cup cheese.

  2. 2

    Layer on half the remaining tortillas. Top with the remaining beans, chicken and pepper mixture. Top with 1 cup of the sauce and 1/2 cup cheese. Layer on the remaining tortillas, followed by the remaining sauce (about 1/3 cup). Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to cook, up to 3 days.

  3. 3

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the casserole, uncovered, until hot and bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes. (Alternatively, microwave the casserole, covered with wax paper, on Medium-High until steaming hot, 12 to 15 minutes.) Serve hot.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Similar Recipes

Easy Enchilada Casserole

Easy Enchilada Casserole

No stuffing or rolling necessary to make these enchiladas. Just mix together shredded chicken with sour cream, jack cheese, and soup; then layer with tortillas and salsa.

75 minutes9 servings576 kcal
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This cheesy slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole layers tender shredded chicken, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese for the ultimate weeknight Tex-Mex dinner. With minimal hands-on time, this satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

5.2 hours
Chicken Burrito Casserole

Chicken Burrito Casserole

Packed full of protein, fibre and veggies, this healthy chicken burrito casserole works well as a meal prep idea or simple weeknight dinner.

65 minutes8 servings
Poblano Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Poblano Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I've begun making my enchiladas casserole style, which saves a lot time, not to mention burned fingers. :) However, everyone still raves over my enchiladas, and this recipe recently earned a round of applause when I made them on a skiing holiday. The sauce is actually a modified Alfredo recipe and is also great over fajitas.

75 minutes8 servings542 kcal
Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

If your family loves Mexican food, whip together this chicken burrito casserole recipe for an easy, low-prep dinner! It tastes like your favourite burritos yet can be made in one big casserole dish with simple ingredients. Plus, it's loaded with protein for a satisfying and healthy meal! {Gluten-Free}

90 minutes8 servings
Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Quick King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This chicken casserole recipe is an easy, weeknight-friendly dinner. Learn how we make King Ranch casserole quick and healthy.

30 minutes4 servings332 kcal
Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole

Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole has every flavor you want in a Mexican chicken dinner. It is a cheesy, creamy, layered casserole and you get the taste of enchiladas without having to mess with rolling up tortillas!

50 minutes
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Think of this vegetarian enchilada casserole as a veggie-packed Mexican-inspired lasagna. Bookmark this recipe for a future weeknight dinner.

60 minutes8 servings357 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a hearty, comforting dinner that practically makes itself on a busy weeknight? This Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is your answer, offering authentic flavors without the fuss of individual rolling.

Why This Casserole Is a Weeknight Game-Changer

What truly sets this enchilada casserole apart is its incredible make-ahead convenience. You can assemble the entire casserole up to three days in advance, letting all those delicious flavors meld together in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Plus, the quick, homemade enchilada sauce—crafted from crushed tomatoes, cumin, chipotle, and salt—comes together in minutes, proving that fresh, vibrant flavor doesn't require a trip to the store for canned sauce.

What to Expect From This Delicious Dish

Prepare for a satisfying explosion of classic Tex-Mex flavors. Each spoonful delivers layers of tender chicken, hearty black beans, and aromatic sautéed peppers and onions, all nestled between soft corn tortillas. The homemade sauce provides a tangy, savory foundation with a subtle kick from the chipotle, while a generous blanket of melted Mexican cheese blend brings everything together in a gooey, irresistible embrace. This casserole promises a comforting and substantial meal perfect for any night you need something both delicious and easy.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the ground chipotle chile powder to your taste, using less for a milder flavor or the full teaspoon for a spicier kick. The use of pre-prepped Meal-Prep Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs and Sautéed Peppers & Onions makes this dish incredibly flexible for adapting with your favorite seasoned protein or vegetable combinations, emphasizing its meal-prep friendly nature. For a slightly different texture, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving.

Serving & Context

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate busy weeknight hero, perfect for feeding a family or for a casual potluck. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions