Creamy Dreamy Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful sour cream chicken enchilada casserole that promises a flavor explosion in every single bite.

Layers of tender chicken nestle between soft tortillas and creamy sauce.

Melted cheese blankets the entire dish with irresistible golden richness.

Home cooks searching for a simple yet impressive meal will adore this recipe’s straightforward approach.

Mexican-inspired flavors combine effortlessly to create a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.

The magic happens when each ingredient melds together in a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with this crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together in less than an hour.

Tips That Help You Master Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Customize Chicken Choice: Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled, baked, or poached chicken for varied flavor profiles and to reduce food waste.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust green chili quantity or use mild versus hot varieties to match personal heat preferences without compromising the dish's creamy texture.
• Enhance Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or sharp cheddar to create unique taste dimensions and add complexity.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal planning and busy schedules.
• Create Dietary Alternatives: Replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas for gluten-free option or use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup for lighter version without sacrificing delicious taste.

Save and Reheat Chicken Enchilada Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the casserole's flavor and texture intact.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• For quick individual servings, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming and preserve the casserole's creamy consistency.

Great Pairings for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and diced green onions for a bright, herbal punch that cuts through the rich, creamy casserole.
• Serve with Mexican street corn (elote) or a crisp cabbage slaw to balance the dish's creamy texture with a tangy, crunchy contrast.
• Pour a cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a citrusy margarita to refresh the palate and complement the enchilada's spicy, creamy flavors.
• Top with homemade pico de gallo or a quick salsa verde to add a zesty, fresh element that brightens the entire casserole and provides a light, acidic counterpoint.

New Versions of Chicken Enchilada Casserole to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream of chicken soup. Swap regular cheese with vegan cheese alternatives for a completely lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Bowl: Skip tortillas and layer ingredients in a baking dish. Use cauliflower rice as a base or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or cayenne pepper to the sauce. Include pepper jack cheese for extra heat and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini. Use vegetable cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for added flavor depth.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole FAQs

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work great and add a more authentic Mexican flavor to the casserole. Just make sure to soften them slightly before layering to prevent them from becoming too hard.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes between layers. You can also use hot green chilies instead of mild ones to increase the heat level.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy way to add pre-cooked, flavorful meat to the casserole. Simply shred the chicken and use it as directed in the recipe.

Why Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Delivers Big Flavor

• Easy Family Dinner Solution
• This casserole requires minimal prep time and uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Swap chicken for turkey, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe modifications.
• Creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make this dish appealing to both children and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• One-dish preparation means fewer pots and pans to wash, saving precious time after a busy day and reducing kitchen cleanup effort.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of the casserole, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy foundation that creates rich and smooth sauce, full-fat versions recommended for best texture.
• Cheese: Melty topping that adds golden color and extra richness, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend works well.

• Tortilla Pieces: Soft corn or flour tortillas that provide structure and absorb the creamy sauce, slightly stale tortillas work better.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice mix that builds depth of flavor, freshly ground spices enhance taste.

• Diced Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and brightness to the dish, canned green chilies are convenient.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides fresh finish and color contrast, optional but recommended for authentic flavor.

How to Put Together Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Decadent Sauce

• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Diced green chilies

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Layer Magical Casserole

• Tortilla pieces
• Shredded chicken
• Creamy sauce
• Shredded cheese

Repeat the layering process, ensuring cheese crowns the top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve alongside Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sour cream chicken enchilada casserole blends zesty Mexican flavors with creamy comfort in one irresistible dish. Hearty layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and rich sauce promise a satisfying meal that delights taste buds and brings families together at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• 8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (10 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup chicken broth (to thin out sauce, if needed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredient:

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and an aromatic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and zesty green chilies until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Create the first foundation layer by spreading a thin coating of the creamy mixture across the bottom of the baking dish to prevent potential sticking.
4. Construct the initial casserole stratum by arranging a generous layer of tortilla fragments, followed by a substantial portion of tender shredded chicken, then generously drizzle the prepared sauce and sprinkle a hearty portion of shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layering process, ensuring an even distribution of tortillas, chicken, sauce, and cheese, with the final top layer being a lavish coverage of melting cheese.
6. Protect the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25 minutes, creating a sealed environment for flavors to meld.
7. Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven, continuing to bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly surface.
8. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.
9. Serve the enchilada casserole while warm, accompanied by fluffy rice, hearty beans, or a crisp side salad to complete the meal.

Notes

• Optimize tortilla texture by lightly toasting them before layering to prevent sogginess and enhance their crispy potential.
• Customize protein options by substituting shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or black beans for vegetarian preferences.
• Control salt levels by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and adjusting seasoning incrementally while mixing the creamy sauce.
• Boost flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or roasted green chiles for deeper, more nuanced taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg