Dreamy Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Recipe for Cozy Nights

Pioneer Woman’s chicken enchilada casserole delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with wild abandon.

Comfort food reaches new heights in this sizzling dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into culinary magic.

Spicy, cheesy layers intertwine like a delicious love story between tortillas and tender chicken.

Southern hospitality meets Mexican zest in a creation that beckons hungry souls to the dinner table.

Melted cheese creates golden rivers of goodness between each carefully crafted layer.

Fragrant spices whisper tales of home-cooked comfort and culinary passion.

Check out this irresistible feast that promises to steal hearts and satisfy the deepest hunger.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

The Ingredient Lineup for Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Corn Tortillas: Choose fresh, pliable tortillas without cracks for easy rolling.
• Canola Oil: Select a high-smoke-point oil for crisp, golden edges without burning.

• Chicken Breast: Pick fresh, boneless cuts for tender, easy-to-shred meat.
• Onions: Select firm, aromatic onions without soft spots or bruising.
• Jalapeños: Choose bright green peppers with glossy skin for maximum heat.
• Green Chiles: Look for vibrant, firm chiles without blemishes or soft areas.

• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Select fresh, high-fat cream for rich, smooth texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to manage recipe's salt level precisely.
• All-Purpose Flour: Ensure fresh, clump-free flour for smooth sauce.
• Sour Cream: Pick full-fat variety for luxurious, tangy finish.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Choose freshly grated cheese for optimal melting.

• Cilantro: Select bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting.
• Paprika: Use fresh, vibrant ground paprika for deep flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground provides most robust seasoning.

Prep Tools You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Skillet: Large, non-stick pan for frying tortillas and cooking chicken.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from tortillas.
• Large Skillet: Essential for preparing cheese sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour and creating creamy sauces.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking enchiladas.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and cream.
• Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing chicken and sauce ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: For precise ingredient preparation.
• Oven: Required for baking enchiladas to golden perfection.

How to Cook a Perfect Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Warm Up Tortillas

Sizzle tortillas in hot oil for a quick 20-second dance, creating a soft and pliable base for your enchiladas. Let excess oil drip away on paper towels.

• Build Spicy Chicken Filling

In a simmering skillet, wake up onions and jalapeños with a quick sauté. Toss in chicken and green chiles, stirring until the flavors mingle and dance together.

• Create Creamy Chicken Blend

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, transforming the mixture into a silky, bubbling sensation. Remove from heat and let the flavors settle.

• Craft Velvety Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a skillet and whisk in flour, creating a golden roux. Slowly introduce chicken broth, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and dreamy.

• Finish Cheese Magic

Stir in remaining green chiles and a sprinkle of paprika. Lower the heat and fold in sour cream and cheese until everything melts into a luxurious blanket of flavor.

• Roll and Assemble Enchiladas

Generously spoon chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese, then roll into cozy bundles. Nestle them seam-side down in a baking dish.

• Bake to Perfection

Cascade the cheese sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle extra cheese for good measure. Bake at 350°F until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

• Serve with Flair

Shower the enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a burst of color and freshness to your masterpiece.

Variations Worth Trying with Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Mix up the protein by swapping chicken for shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for a vegetarian option.

Adjust the heat level by using mild or hot green chiles, and add more or fewer jalapeños depending on your spice tolerance.

Prepare the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Wrap unbaked enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Perfect Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the enchiladas for a burst of color and zesty flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Create a Side Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp Mexican-style salad featuring mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a light lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy enchiladas.
• Add Cooling Toppings: Serve with dollops of sour cream, fresh guacamole, or pico de gallo to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.
• Complement with Mexican Rice: Plate alongside fluffy Mexican rice or black beans to create a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates traditional flavors.

Reheating and Saving Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish maintains its delicious taste and texture when properly sealed.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual or entire enchilada portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring a quick and convenient meal option for busy days.
• Reheating Recommendations: Thaw frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave works for quick single servings, heating for 2-3 minutes.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and cheese sauces in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Keep components refrigerated for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly when hunger strikes. Chop fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant color.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Quick and comforting chicken enchilada casserole delivers hearty Mexican-inspired flavors with layered tortillas, shredded chicken, and melted cheese. Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups shredded chicken
• 3 cans (4 oz/113 g) whole green chiles, diced
• 2 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsps canola oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Picante sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Tortilla Preparation: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and gently fry tortillas for 20 seconds per side until softened, then drain on towels to remove excess oil.
2. Chicken Filling: In another skillet, sauté onions and jalapeños, then add shredded chicken, green chiles, and paprika. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until heated through.
3. Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a large skillet, whisk in flour to create a roux, gradually add chicken broth while continuously whisking until smooth. Incorporate remaining green chiles and paprika.
4. Sauce Refinement: Reduce heat and blend in sour cream and shredded cheese until fully melted. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
5. Enchilada Assembly: Spread chicken mixture onto softened tortillas, sprinkle cheese, and roll tightly. Place rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Baking and Finishing: Pour cheese sauce over enchiladas, optionally top with additional cheese. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Tortilla Technique: Briefly fry tortillas to enhance flexibility without making them crispy, preventing them from breaking during rolling.
• Chicken Preparation: Sauté onions and jalapeños first to build a flavor base before adding shredded chicken and green chiles for depth.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk flour and butter carefully to create a perfect roux, eliminating lumps and ensuring a silky, consistent cheese sauce.
• Baking Brilliance: Cover enchiladas completely with cheese sauce and consider adding extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbling finish that looks and tastes irresistible.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg