Creamy Dreamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Your Next Comfort Food Fix

Fancy a bit of comfort food? Ever crave something creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe is exactly what you need. It's proper tasty.

A Little Bit of Background

This dish is a casserole twist on classic enchiladas, a staple in Mexican cuisine. It’s all about taking those familiar flavors and simplifying the cooking process.

No faffing about with individual rolling here! Perfect if you are looking for something that is both comforting and easy: that's Chicken Enchiladas Casserole Easy !

So, What’s in it for Me?

This cheesy chicken enchilada casserole delivers a hearty dose of protein and calcium. It's a great way to sneak in some extra goodness while enjoying a seriously delicious meal.

Serve it up for a casual family dinner. Or easy chicken enchilada bake , this is bound to become a firm favourite.

Why You'll Love This Casserole

This ain't your average comfort food chicken casserole ! Forget slaving away in the kitchen. This white chicken enchilada casserole easy recipe is all about getting that gorgeous Mexican flavor.

Think Creamy chicken enchilada casserole with minimal effort! It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste. Want a bit of a kick? Chuck in some extra chili.

Feeling virtuous? Use lighter alternatives for the cream. This Mexican chicken casserole recipe is a brilliant base to make your own!

Let's get to the ingredients. We're talking chicken breasts, a creamy white sauce, tortillas, and plenty of cheese. What's not to love?

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need for this creamy, dreamy white chicken enchilada casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

Nothing too fancy, promise! It is super easy and you'll knock it out in no time.

Ingredients & Equipment

This easy chicken enchilada bake relies on simple ingredients and equipment. The benefits of this recipe includes a delicious meal with minimum cleanup!

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need. Grab your apron, it is time to cook this Mexican chicken casserole recipe !

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure your chicken is fresh. It should be pink and firm, not slimy. I normally get the organic, cause it’s healthier, you know?
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . For cooking the chicken. Use a decent quality extra virgin olive oil. Don't go for the cheap stuff, alright?
• Chili Powder: 1 tsp (5ml)
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml)
• Cumin: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml)
• Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted. Go for a good quality butter. It makes a difference in the sauce, trust me.
• Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose.
• Chicken Broth: 3 cups (710ml) . Stock cubes are ok for a pinch.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml)
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz (113g) , softened. Leave it out for a bit before starting.
• Green Chilies: 1 (4 oz / 113g) can , diced.
• Onion Powder: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml)
• Corn Tortillas: 12 (6 inch diameter) . I like to use corn tortillas but you can totally use flour ones if that's your thing. Cut them into quarters for easy layering!
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (112g) , shredded. Get decent cheesy chicken enchilada casserole quality cheese.

Seasoning Notes

Okay, so here's where you can get a bit creative, you know? I like to think about what would pair well.

• Essential spice combinations: Chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin is a must! Don’t leave these out.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Diced green chilies give it a bit of a kick without being too overpowering.
• Quick substitution options: If you don't have all the spices on hand, taco seasoning works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Don't stress! You probably have most of this already.

• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken. If you have a cast iron skillet, even better!
• 9x13 inch baking dish: This is your main event dish. Make sure it's oven safe, obvs.
• Whisk: For making the white sauce smooth as silk.
• Two large bowls: For shredding the chicken and mixing stuff.

And that is it! Now you have everything to get the creamy chicken enchilada casserole going, right then? Now let’s get baking!

Alright then, grab yourself a cuppa tea and let's dive into making this Creamy Dreamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole . Honestly, this is one of those recipes that even I can't mess up, and that's saying something.

Forget faffing about with individual enchiladas, this is all about that easy chicken enchilada casserole easy life. We're talking minimal effort, maximum comfort food.

Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps

Mise en Place: The All-Important Lineup

First things first, get your ingredients prepped. Shred your cooked chicken; I find two forks work a treat for this.

Dice those green chiles, and measure out your spices. Having everything ready before you start really speeds things up.

Organisation is Key: Time Saving Tips

Honestly, I often measure out my spices into a little bowl beforehand. It stops me from accidentally dumping a load of chili powder in.

Nobody wants a cheesy chicken enchilada casserole that burns your mouth off.

A Word to the Wise: Safety Reminders

Mind you don't burn yourself. Keep the tea towel handy.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

Right, follow these steps and you can cook the White Enchilada Casserole !

1. Chicken Time: Season those chooks with the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet until the internal temp hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Shred it when cool enough to handle.
2. Whipping up the White Sauce: Melt 4 tbsp butter in a pan. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for a minute or two until golden. Gradually pour in 3 cups chicken broth, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Add 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season to taste.
3. Casserole Assembly: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spread some white sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish . Layer tortilla pieces, shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and the sauce. Repeat.
4. Bake Away: Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 35- 40 minutes , or until golden and bubbly. It needs to look golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a bit before serving. I personally like a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro on top. Delicious!

Pro Tips and Tricks for a Spot-On Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Shortcut Alert: If you are really in a hurry, buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. Mexican chicken casserole recipe , sorted.
• Common Blunder: Overbaking. Nobody likes a dry chicken casserole with white sauce . Keep an eye on it.
• make-ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.

Honestly, once you’ve made this easy chicken enchilada bake you will have it on repeat. I hope you enjoy this comfort food chicken casserole as much as I do.

Recipe Notes: Your White Chicken Enchilada Casserole Journey

Right then, fancy a chat about some extra bits for our Creamy Dreamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole ? I love adding these little details.

They can really elevate the dish. And honestly, every cook has their own little tweaks!

Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation

Honestly, this creamy chicken enchilada casserole is so tasty. Presentation matters! Plating can make it sing. Think beyond just scooping it onto a plate.

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro really brightens it up. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool tang. Diced tomatoes or green onions add some extra textures.

Serve it straight from the baking dish for that rustic, homely feel. Complement it with a vibrant side salad.

For drinks? A classic margarita works wonders. Or a light Mexican beer would also do the trick. You know? Whatever takes your fancy.

Saving the Leftovers: Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy chicken enchilada bake tastes great the next day. For refrigeration, let the casserole cool completely.

Then, cover it tightly with foil or cling film. It will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing is an option too. Cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap them well in cling film. Then, pop them in freezer bags.

It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months . Reheating? Oven's best! Pop it back in at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Microwaving works in a pinch, but it can get a bit soggy, honestly.

Variations: White Enchilada Casserole Your Way

Fancy a bit of a change? This is a Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe, but easily adaptable. Make a dietary adaptation! For a lighter Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole , use half and-half.

Or use a plant based cream. For a veggie version, use black beans instead of chicken. Easy peasy!

If you're trying to make it a seasonal swap, you can add roasted sweetcorn in the summer. During the winter a few roasted butternut squash cubes will fit right in!

Nutrition Bits and Bobs

Let's talk health. (Nobody wants to talk about health) This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole Easy is more of a treat, if I'm honest.

But it packs in protein. Roughly 35-40g per serving. It also gives you some calcium from the cheese.

This Mexican chicken casserole recipe has a fat content of around 25-30g per serving. So keep that in mind when having this dish.

Also, the carbs are 30-35g . All these values are estimates.

There you have it! I hope this little guide gives you a few ideas. Don't be afraid to experiment. Cooking is all about having fun! And remember, you’ve got this! Have you got your cuppa tea yet? Now, go forth and bake that comfort food chicken casserole !

It's a recipe that'll turn even a grey day into a fiesta of flavors!