The Perfect Chicken Enchilada Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Chicken enchilada bake reinvents classic Mexican comfort food into a mouthwatering meal that streamlines complex preparation.

Layers of zesty ingredients merge into a harmonious culinary creation that promises rich, satisfying results.

Warm, melted cheese and succulent protein intermingle with robust spices to create a deeply comforting dish.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of textures and tantalizing flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Home cooks appreciate the simplicity of assembling this crowd-pleasing recipe without sacrificing authentic taste sensations.

One-pan convenience meets traditional cuisine in this innovative approach to a beloved classic.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a delectable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Chicken Enchilada Bake Is Always a Dinner Win

• Savor Hearty One-Dish Comfort: This chicken enchilada bake delivers a complete meal packed with protein, vegetables, and rich flavors in a single delicious casserole, eliminating multiple cooking steps.
• Customize with Easy Ingredients: Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like different beans, proteins, or spice levels, making it perfect for using pantry staples and accommodating family preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Preparation takes under 45 minutes from start to finish, with simple sautéing and baking techniques that create a satisfying meal without complex culinary skills, ideal for busy households seeking nutritious dinners.

What You’ll Need for Layers of Zesty, Cheesy Goodness

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the dish.
• Rice: Fluffy base that provides substance and texture to the enchilada bake.

• Onion: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor for the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall taste profile.
• Beans: Creamy legume that adds protein and texture to the casserole.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet vegetable that brings color and freshness to the dish.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that creates depth in the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Rich base that provides tangy undertone to the dish.

• Chile Powder: Warm spice that delivers authentic Mexican flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Spicy element that adds subtle heat.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Subtle spice that adds mild heat and complexity.

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

• Cheese: Melty ingredient that creates golden, crispy topping.
• Butter: Rich fat that adds flavor and helps with greasing dish.

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy topping that provides textural contrast.

• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy topping that balances spicy flavors.

How to Build and Bake the Ultimate Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prep The Flavor Base

Heat oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5 minutes while stirring frequently until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create Sauce Thickener

Sprinkle flour into the onion mixture, stirring and tossing for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth base.

Step 3: Build The Sauce

• Chile powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Increase heat and let sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

Step 4: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter.

Step 5: Combine Filling Ingredients

• Diced chicken
• Rice
• Beans
• Corn kernels
• Cheese

Step 6: Integrate Sauce With Filling

Pour prepared sauce into the bowl with filling ingredients. Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer mixture into greased baking dish. Layer tortilla chips on top and sprinkle remaining cheese evenly.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra deliciousness.

Tips for a Saucy, Cheesy, Never-Soggy Bake

• Sauté with Precision: Cook onions and garlic slowly to develop deep, rich flavors without burning.
• Whisk Smoothly: Add liquid ingredients gradually to prevent lumps in your sauce, creating a silky texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of chicken, beans, and cheese.
• Crispy Top Technique: For extra crunch, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.

Keep Leftovers Tasting Just as Fresh the Next Day

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken enchilada bake in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen enchilada bake stays good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. Alternatively, restore crispiness by baking in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Sides and Sips That Match This Bold, Spicy Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the spicy chicken enchilada bake with a classic margarita that balances the dish's bold flavors. The citrusy lime and tequila cut through the richness of the cheese and sauce.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Slaw: Create a light, crisp side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. This tangy accompaniment provides a cool contrast to the warm, hearty enchilada bake.
• Match with Mexican Lager: Select a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial. Its clean, refreshing taste helps cool down the dish's spicy notes while enhancing the overall Mexican-inspired meal experience.
• Add Creamy Avocado Salsa: Prepare a quick salsa with diced avocados, tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice. This creamy, fresh condiment adds a bright, cooling element that perfectly complements the baked enchilada's warmth and spice.

Flavor Variations for a New Take on the Classic

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace standard chile powder with smoky chipotle powder and add diced green chilies for extra heat. Swap white rice for brown rice to boost nutritional value.
• Creamy Green Chile Chicken Bake: Incorporate cream cheese and green enchilada sauce into the recipe. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for more robust flavor and reduced cooking time.
• Mediterranean Chicken Fusion: Trade traditional seasonings for oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Include feta cheese instead of standard cheddar and add chopped kalamata olives for Mediterranean flair.
• Vegetarian Bean Enchilada Casserole: Remove chicken and double bean quantities. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth and include plant-based protein like quinoa for substance.

Chicken Enchilada Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken enchilada bake delivers a zesty symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and spicy sauce create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (about 1 pound raw)
• 2 cups cooked rice (e.g., Minute Rice)
• 1½ cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Protein and Vegetable Components:

• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 heaping cup crushed tortilla chips

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Serving:

• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat of oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low temperature, introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Allow these aromatics to soften and become translucent, stirring frequently for approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Dust flour over the sautéed vegetables, thoroughly coating and stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a foundational roux.
3. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and tomato sauce, whisking smoothly to prevent lumps. Season with chile powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Elevate heat until the sauce reaches a gentle simmer, maintaining consistent stirring for 8-10 minutes until thickened and flavors meld together.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Generously grease a 9-inch (23-centimeter) square baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, and shredded cheese. Thoroughly mix ingredients to distribute evenly.
7. Pour prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat completely and ensure uniform flavor distribution.
8. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Arrange tortilla chips across the top, then sprinkle remaining cheese uniformly.
9. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the contents bubble enthusiastically around the edges.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve with optional garnishes like sour cream or fresh cilantro to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Customize this hearty chicken enchilada bake with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight dinner solution.
• Swap out traditional tortilla chips for crispy corn tortillas to add an authentic Mexican street food texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
• Make ahead and refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours, perfect for meal prepping busy families.
• Reduce spice levels by using mild chile powder or omitting cayenne for kid-friendly versions of this comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 358 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 654mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 58mg