Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (2024)

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5 from 3 reviews

//By Alexandra Stafford onMay 4, 2017 (updated August 23, 2021) Jump To Recipe

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Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (1)

I’m so taken by this chicken enchilada casserole recipe, because it’s extremely simple and incredibly flavorful, unlike so many other enchilada recipes I’ve attempted previously. It was originally published in the WSJ’s “Slow Food Fast” column and it comes from Chef Spike Gjerde of Baltimore’s Woodbury Kitchen.

Here’s the gist: After you make the sauce—a mix of broiled onions and garlic, canned tomatoes, and chipotles in adobo that simmers for 7 minutes—you layer it lasagna-style with tortillas, cheese, chicken, scallions, and cilantro. Twenty-five minutes in the oven, and it’s done. That’s it! There’s no frying of the tortillas, no dipping of the tortillas in sauce, no stuffing and rolling—there’s nothing that might keep you from making enchiladas as often as you would like.

Once you make enchiladas lasagna-style, it’s hard to go back. Here you get all the same goodness — tortillas layered with sauce, cheese, meat, and vegetables — without the hassle the traditional preparation demands.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable to your tastes and preferences. I love it with kale and mushrooms, too.

PS: Vegetarian Tortilla Casserole

PPS: Vegetarian Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Sauce ingredients:
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (2)

The sauce starts by broiling onions and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes:
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (3)

Then you simmer them with canned tomatoes and chipotles in adobo sauce:
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (4)

After 7 minutes of simmering, it looks like this:
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (5)

And is ready to be puréed:
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (6)

This sauce is so good. Very spicy. It’s great with kale and mushrooms, too.
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (7)

Poach a few chicken breasts as the sauce simmers, then shred them:
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (8)

Time to asssemble!
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (9)

Ready for the oven!
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (10)

25 minutes later, dinner is served!
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (11)

Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (12)
Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (13)

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Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (14)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Alexandra Stafford
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: serves 6 to 8
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Description

Adapted from Spike Gjerde’s recipe for Smoky Chicken Enchiladas in the WSJ.

Notes:

  • Tortillas: I am partial to tortillas made with a mix of flour and corn. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s both sell tortillas made with this blend, but use whatever you like. If you prefer all corn, use all corn. If you prefer flour, use all flour.
  • Heat level can be amped up by adding a tablespoon of the chipotle in adobo sauce. If you are sensitive to heat, I wouldn’t use more than 1 chipotle in adobo.
  • If you don’t want to poach chicken breasts, you could use rotisserie chicken, which is what the original recipe calls for.
  • A nice vegetarian option: sautéed kale and mushroom.

Ingredients

  • 2s mall boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • Kosher salt
  • one 28-oz can whole, peeled tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 chipotles in adobo, see notes above
  • 14 corn tortillas, see notes above
  • 9 ounces grated cheese, such as Monterey Jack or sharp Cheddar
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 6 scallions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the broiler to high. Place the chicken breasts in a small pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pan and remove it from the heat.
  2. Place onions and garlic on a small sheet pan and season with salt all over. Broil until well charred in spots, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from broiler and set aside. Set oven temperature to 425 degrees.
  3. Place tomatoes, charred onions and garlic, ½ cup water, and 1 to 2 chipotles in adobo (depending on heat tolerance, see notes above). Bring liquid to a simmer and cook until onions soften, about 7 minutes. Off heat, use a handheld blender or food processor to purée to a thick, smooth, uniform sauce, taking care with hot liquid. Set sauce back over low heat and gently simmer to keep warm.
  4. Remove chicken from poaching liquid and set on a plate to cool. Once cool enough to handle, pull chicken into shreds. Coat bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of sauce. Arrange a single layer of tortillas over sauce, trimming edges to fit. Add chicken to the pot with the remaining sauce.
  5. Spoon a thin layer of sauce/chicken over tortillas and top with a loose layer of grated cheese. Sprinkle over some cilantro and scallions. Continue layering tortillas, sauce, cheese, scallions, herbs until dish is nearly full. End with a layer of tortillas, a layer of sauce and a final layer of cheese. You should have three layers of tortillas.
  6. Bake enchiladas on top rack of oven until cheese topping bubbles and browns in spots, 15-20 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and scallions and serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Mexican

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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    35 Comments on “Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole”

  1. serenaReply

    I love the no roll approach, as the tortillas always seem to crack for me. Also, I made your Lemon Semolina cake last night. Absolutely amazing. It’s gone, not even crumbs on plate remain 🙂 Thanks for all the yummy recipes!
    xo
    serena

    • alexandraReply

      Me, too! In the one bad experience that I referenced, the tortillas cracked and the whole process just didn’t go smoothly. So happy re lemon-semolina cake … love that one so much 🙂 🙂 🙂

  2. Amy KaufmanReply

    Can I make a day ahead or best to prepare and serve the same day? Love your recipes! I am on an #alexandracooks steady diet.

    • alexandraReply

      Thank you Amy! Sorry just getting to these comments here … I’m faster responding over on Food52 🙂 Glad we resolved things over there. (For anyone else reading here, we concluded that maybe these should be assembled last minute though all of the individual elements can be prepped ahead.

  3. AnnReply

    Thank you! I like the idea of serving enchiladas for dinner, but then I think of the work involved and make tacos or fajitas instead — the juice just ain’t worth the squeeze.

    Woodberry Kitchen is incredible in every respect — menu, atmosphere, and decor –if you ever get the chance to go!

    • alexandraReply

      Oh Ann, I have heard such great things! I need to go.

      And your thought process re enchiladas has been mine for years — this is why I love this recipe so much. It’s so easy and so good. Hope you are well!

      • AnnReply

        Just dropping in to say that I finally got around to making this a few weeks ago and it was a big hit. I’m making a batch tonight and to make life a little easier, I doubled the sauce and froze half for next time. I also cheated and picked up a pack of pulled rotisserie chicken from Costco — I’ll use half the pack and freeze the rest. I’ll be serving this up with some Rancho Gordo “Moro” beans, made in InstaPot!

  4. Wendi @ BonAppetitHonReply

    I’ve been on a pressure cooker butter chicken kick lately and I think part of my next batch will have to become Butter Chicken Enchiladas. Freaking genius.

    • alexandraReply

      Wendi, hello!! Yes, you must. Do you love your pressure cooker? Should I get one? Or an instant pot? Butter chicken anything sounds genius 🙂 Hope you are well!!

      • CookinmomReply

        Yes, I think you should get an Instant Pot! If you have a busy family, it’s a must! Roasts, Cheesecake, Mac & cheese, boiled peanuts, yogurt, any meats in quarter to half the time to make!

        • Alexandra StaffordReply

          I have one now!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

  5. Erin CallisonReply

    Made this last night! It was awesome! I think because of the homemade sauce, it actually tastes pretty “fresh” and unprocessed, unlike a lot of other mexican food. Additionally, I added corn, black beans and mushrooms for some extra veggies and variation in texture. I also used my slow cooker to make the chicken, since I was able to do that ahead of time. Will definitely be making again!

    • alexandraReply

      Yay! So happy to hear this, Erin! All of your additions sound lovely. Slow cooker chicken will be so nice, too.

  6. Susan JReply

    I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious. My husband, who is the true cook in the house, loved it. Thanks for giving us a keeper!

    • alexandraReply

      So happy to hear this, Susan! I’m loving all variations of this one 🙂

  7. Kevin | economicalchef.comReply

    Nothing beats a 1 pan meal! These looks awesome and I am eager to try making homemade enchilada sauce. Thanks for the recipe!

    • alexandraReply

      🙂

  8. Little Cooking TipsReply

    Amazing recipe (and photos!)! We don’t have chipotle in adobo here in Greece, but we’re thinking to try it out using roasted red peppers and a pinch of smoked paprika. Does that sound like something that could work ? Sorry in advance, for asking this, the recipe calls for chipotle in adobo, we know (but we really want to try out this recipe):)
    Greetings from sunny Athens, Greece!
    Mirella and Panos

    • alexandraReply

      Hi! So sorry for the delay here: Yes! I think your roasted red pepper idea + smoked paprika is a great idea. Wish I were in sunny Athens with you!!

      One other thought: do you have dried ancho chiles? The original recipe calls for covering 2 dried ancho chiles in hot water, letting them sit until they soften, then puréeing them with the other vegetables.

  9. AmyReply

    Hello! How long do you think the sauce would keep in the fridge? Or do you think you could make it ahead and freeze until ready to use? We’ve already made these once and loved them, thank you for the great recipe! I’m excited to experiment with filling variations as summer vegetables come to market.

    • alexandraReply

      Amy, so sorry for the delay here, and good question: I’m afraid I don’t know! I sort of think you’re on to something with the freezing. And perhaps baking it straight from the freezer as well? I think we emailed/comment-exchanged about this, but I worry about the tortillas getting soggy in the fridge if left assembled for too long. The freezer might be the solution to non-soggy tortillas with the bonus of make-ahead capabilities. I’m excited to experiment with summer flavors as well.

  10. KionnaReply

    This looks delish! My family would love it without it being spicy. How would I change it to be mild and not spicy? I’m hoping to make it tomorrow.:)

    • alexandraReply

      Hi Kionna,

      I would maybe leave out the chipotles in adobo. You could add some smoked paprika or cumin instead for flavor and smokiness. That should do it!

  11. MarjiReply

    I don’t know why I wasn’t expecting this to be wonderful, but it certainly turned out well. I just needed a quick casserole because I didn’t think about a Cinqo de Mayo menu until about 2:30pm this afternoon. I followed the recipe without variation. Corn tortillas and only 1 extra tbsp. of the chipotle sauce. This recipe was fast, easy and delicious. Next time, and there will be a next time, I’ll add corn and beans and more chipotle sauce and enough to make two pans, one to freeze. Thanks.

    • alexandraReply

      So happy to hear this, Marji! I made these this weekend, too, using spinach in place of the chicken. Love the idea of adding more chipotle sauce!

  12. KathleenReply

    Very easy and delicious! Thank you for another winning recipe that is now on the dinner rotation! 🙂

    • alexandraReply

      Wonderful to hear this, Kathleen!

  13. OliviaReply

    Made this tonight and thought it would be a “project” to make the enchilada sauce and tortillas and beans from scratch but it was actually extremely easy with these amazing recipes. Turned out delicious, and I had two enchiladas and am soooo full but I love that so many of your recipes are so filling but actually really healthy and not so killer on the calories!

    • alexandraReply

      Oh yay! Olivia, so nice to hear all of this. Thanks so much for writing and thanks for the kind words… means a lot 🙂

  14. Laurie C.Reply

    This was a HUGE hit! I poached 2 larger chicken breasts, used fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and a combo of pre-sliced pepper jack and provolone cheeses. I made one side with corn tortillas and the other with flour tortillas, and the corn were the clear favorite. I served it with a side green salad with strawberries, cucumbers, and a cilantro/lime crema dressing. My husband was surprised it was chicken breast instead of thigh. I was very pleased with the ease of poaching and shredding and assembly – NO ONE cared that it wasn’t in rolled up enchiladas. I told them it was like a Mexican lasagna. My family asked me to make this one a keeper. Thanks, Ali!

    • alexandraReply

      Yay! So nice to hear this, Laurie! Thanks so much for writing. I love the ease of the assembly of this one, too. So glad your family approved, too!

  15. LindaReply

    What can a person use instead of Cilantro, as I don’t like it at all, thank you.

    • Alexandra StaffordReply

      Hi Linda! Parsley would be great. Or simply omit it.

      • LindaReply

        Thank you so much for your reply Alexandra, I always love your recipes and hope that you stick around for a long time : ) God bless and have a great day !

        • Alexandra StaffordReply

          Awww thanks so much, Linda 🙂 🙂 🙂

Easiest Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Alexandra's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How do you make enchilada casserole not soggy? ›

Usually when I've made them I just put sauce on top, not on the bottom, and just down the middle so the edges are exposed. And I make the sauce on the thick side so it is not too watery. I bake them in the oven too, and they are never too soggy, but you could just grill to minimise the sauce absorption.

How to cook real good enchiladas in the oven? ›

Salsa Roja Chicken Enchiladas
  1. Microwave - Poke holes in the film and cook for 3:30 - 4:30 minutes, let sit for 1 minute before removing. ...
  2. Oven - Remove the film and cook at 400° for 28-32 minutes.
  3. Air Fryer - Remove the film and cook at 375° for 10-12 minutes.

Can you pre make enchiladas or will they get soggy? ›

If you would like to make a pan of enchiladas in advance, follow the recipe instructions through step 3 (assembling the enchiladas). Wrap the pan tightly with foil. Then you can either refrigerate the enchiladas for up to 3 days, then bake as directed.

Do you cook enchiladas covered or not? ›

Arrange enchiladas, seam-side down, in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with taco sauce and remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving.

What is the secret to good enchiladas? ›

Fry each of your tortillas in hot oil before adding in your enchilada filling. This will help keep the tortillas from soaking up too much of your sauce too quickly, which can also cause them to break apart.

Why are my chicken enchiladas soggy? ›

If you are actually following a quality enchilada recipe, you should have already dipped your tortillas into your chosen sauce before baking. This process softens the tortilla and infuses it with flavor, so if you just dump the rest of the good stuff on top of your dish before baking, you are begging for a soggy mess.

Should you cover cheese enchiladas when baking? ›

Most enchiladas are baked and covered with foil until heated through. Oven temperatures and baking times vary per recipe, but on average they cook in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the enchiladas after they are heated through.

How long do you cook real good chicken enchiladas? ›

Place tray on center rack in oven on an oven-proof sheet pan. Bake for 30 - 33 min. Let rest 1 minute.

What cheese is best for enchiladas? ›

For restaurant-style cheese enchiladas, look for a Mexican-style shredded cheese blend at the grocery store. These contain the perfect mix of cheeses that both stretch and melt when hot. Here are two blends to look out for (though there are lots more!): Monterey Jack cheese, Asadero, Queso Quesadilla.

Is it OK to use flour tortillas for enchiladas? ›

A simple, quick, easy beef enchiladas recipe. Ground beef and onion are wrapped in flour tortillas, topped with Cheddar cheese and black olives, then baked. This is also great with leftover chicken, shredded beef, or turkey.

Are enchiladas better with corn or flour? ›

Enchiladas are laden with sauce and fillings, and you need a tortilla that will hold up to all the moisture, so you should always opt for corn over flour.

Are chicken enchiladas better with green or red sauce? ›

If you are making enchiladas, you may be wondering, “Which sauce should I use?” This is an excellent question, and the most straightforward answer is whatever you prefer. If you are making beef enchiladas, it is more common to pair them with a red sauce, and chicken enchiladas usually have a green sauce.

How do you keep enchiladas from getting hard on the bottom? ›

I'm not a chef or anything, I'm just a Hispanic home cook and all I can tell you is what I do.
  1. Dip the tortillas in hot oil, but do not fry them. Just lightly dip them so that they are soft.
  2. Add filling and a spoon of sauce to the inside. ...
  3. Spoon sauce over the top and add cheese.
  4. Bake just until the cheese is melted.
Aug 24, 2020

How do you make a casserole not soggy? ›

To prevent a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom, it's important to use a shallow baking dish, to cook the casserole at the correct oven temperature and for the appropriate amount of time, and to be mindful of the amount of liquid used in the recipe.

How do you fix a soggy casserole? ›

Just because your casserole is starting to look a bit soupy doesn't mean it's beyond saving. In fact, all you need to do is add some pasta noodles or grains to your base. This trick works for the simple reason that both types of ingredients soak up water as they cook.

How do you make a casserole less watery? ›

10 Tips To Fix Or Prevent Watery Casseroles
  1. Prep Vegetables Ahead Of Time. Vegetables boiling on a stove - Solstock/Getty Images. ...
  2. Add A Starch. ...
  3. Experiment With Pasta Or Grains. ...
  4. Take The Lid Off. ...
  5. Drain Fat From Meat. ...
  6. Choose A Dry Or Low-Fat Cheese. ...
  7. Sprinkle Seeds Into Your Bake. ...
  8. Remove Excess Liquid.
Oct 29, 2023

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