Description

This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. With layers of tender chicken, creamy sour cream sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be on the table in under an hour

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, divided
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sour Cream Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This rich and flavorful sauce is the key to the creamy texture of the casserole.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole
To assemble the casserole, start by spreading a thin layer of the sour cream sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This helps prevent the tortillas from sticking and adds flavor to every bite.

Next, place 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. Top the tortillas with a layer of shredded chicken, then spread about 1/3 of the remaining sour cream sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese on top.

Repeat the layering process two more times: tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese. The final layer should be the remaining sauce and cheese, which will create a golden, bubbly topping as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve the casserole hot. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh green salad

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tips
Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the layers.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños to the sour cream sauce or use a spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Serve with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a dollop of guacamole to customize each serving.
Conclusion
This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. With its tender layers of chicken, cheesy goodness, and a touch of spice from the green chiles, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The easy preparation and delicious results make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering. Serve it hot and enjoy the comfort of this satisfying casserole!