Rita Reviews

living my best possible southern life

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

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This is another recipe that I first shared back in 2014. It is a favorite dish of the kids as well as my younger brother. He can eat a whole pan all by himself. I don’t know where he puts it all but that boy can eat!

For this chicken enchilada recipe, start by throwing two largish chicken breasts into a pot with 2 dried California Chili Pods, 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa, 1 cup of water, 1 tsp Tapatio, and 1 can of El Pato Jalapeno Salsa, in the green can. You may need a bit more water depending on the depth and size of your pan. You want the chicken to be covered. Simmer this mixture until the chicken is fully cooked. After its cooked, remove the chicken and let cool.

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In the same pot, with the leftover simmering sauce still in it, add in a can of El Pato Red, or tomato sauce with jalapeno, 1/4 cup onion, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp basil, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 can tomato paste, and 1 1/2 cups water. Let simmer over medium low heat stirring frequently until thick, about 30 minutes.

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While the sauce is simmering, shred the cooled chicken with two forks. Place 4oz of cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften. Mix in 1/2 small can of green chili. Mix this into the chicken. To layer the casserole, cover the bottom of a 9×13 with a thick layer of enchilada sauce. (Discard the California chili pods after cooking.)

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Then layer corn tortillas on top of the sauce. Follow with the chicken, spread evenly over the entire area.

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Sprinkle with a mexican cheese blend or your favorite cheddar.

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Cover chicken/cream cheese with another layer of tortillas. Cover tortillas generously with enchilada sauce, but make sure to leave enough to cover the final layer or tortillas. Add another layer of cheese followed by a layer of tortillas. Cover final layer of tortillas with enchilada sauce and then cheese. Bake at 350 until hot and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.

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In case you got lost in the layering instructions…here is the set up from top to bottom…

  1. Cheese
  2. Sauce
  3. Tortilla
  4. Cheese
  5. Sauce
  6. Tortilla
  7. Cheese
  8. Chicken mixture
  9. Sauce
  10. Tortilla
  11. Sauce
  12. Pan

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Wow this looks amazing! Your recipe is way easier then the one I have now. I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for the recipe!

  3. This looks so good, and your directions are so perfect it makes it look easy! forget lasagna – I want this – I’d like to make this for a buffet, too!

  5. I love this recipe, especially on colder days. Today, we woke up to a very cold morning, hubby suggested we have a really hearty casserole for Sunday dinner.It looks like I just found a new one. We love Mexican food, however, I rarely make it, other than tacos, so this looks fun, plus, great flavors. 🙂

  6. this looks so yummy and easy. we love enchiladas and I know my entire family would enjoy this too.

  7. What am awesome recipe. I was planning on making chicken enchiladas tomorrow evening but this casserole recipe is to die for. I can’t wait to taste test it.

  8. This looks amazing! I love chicken enchiladas and casseroles. Why not put them together?

  9. This looks really good. I’m going to make this one night this week.I’m going to put green onions in mine because I hate chopping regular onions and try to avoid it. Thanks for the great recipe!

  10. This looks so good,thanks so much for the recipe.I’m gonna have to try it out for myself,will let yah know how it turns out for me.

  12. This made me hungry just reading about it. I guess that mean I must try to make this recipe thanks for sharing I needed some new ideas.

  13. Okay I got hungry just looking at this recipe which means I just must make it soon thanks for the recipe.

  14. Oh my goodness! I love enchiladas, but I’ve never had them with chicken. This casserole looks so much easier than rolling them up individually too. Thanks for the recipe; I think my kids will love it!

  18. What a great dish to make for the family, I would be adding a ton of Jalapenos to this, I love dished like this on the spicy side.

  19. My family love chicken enchiladas, it is a recipe everyone can agree one, cause we have picky eaters. A quick meal that is all about the layering and just pop it in the oven, love it.

  20. A family friend used to make this once a month and bring it over for dinner. I’m going to make it soon! 🙂

  22. Was looking for recipes for dinner tonight. Found it! Looking forward to more recipes from you!

  23. Yum… This looks GREAT. I like that it is fairly simple but also look delicious!

  24. Ive never made home made enchiladas. Ive bought the frozen but was not a fan. Maybe I will give them another try.

  25. This looks fairly easy and very delicious. I love making casserole with chicken.

  26. This looks fairly easy and very delicious. I love making casserole with chicken.

  28. This casserole is making my mouth water! I love enchiladas and have never had them in this casserole form. I love this recipe and look forward to making it! Thank you for sharing.

  30. Dang! I’m adding this to my “must-try recipes.” And I like that you included the list from bottom to top ingredients for a quick reference.

  31. This is gonna be a favourite – I can tell just by looking at it! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

  33. We love enchiladas, this recipe looks really good. I will have to try this one.