Chicken Fiesta Casserole Texmex Comfort Food Made Easy

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that warm, comforting feeling of a chicken enchilada casserole without all the fuss? This tortilla casserole recipe is your answer! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s destined to become a family favorite.

Brief Overview

The Mexican casserole is a Tex-Mex classic, reinvented as an easy casserole recipe . This recipe takes about 50- 55 minutes from start to finish.

It yields about 6 servings of pure, cheesy goodness.

Main Benefits

This fiesta casserole is a nutritional winner, offering a good dose of protein. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, home cooked meal.

What makes it special? The layers of flavour and textures, creating a delicious layered tortilla casserole that's anything but boring!

Craving Comfort? Let's talk Casseroles with Tortillas !

Honestly, nothing beats a good casserole, right? They're like a warm hug on a plate. And when you add tortillas to the mix? Oh my gosh, it's game over! This tortilla bake recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about creating a symphony of flavours.

Think of it as a deconstructed enchilada. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Another chicken casserole recipes ?" But trust me, this one is different.

We're talking layers of tender chicken, a creamy, dreamy sauce, and those slightly chewy tortillas that soak up all the deliciousness.

This southwest casserole is perfect for a casual get-together or a cozy night in. It's also great for meal prepping.

You can make it ahead of time. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat. And the best part? It's so easy to customize.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let’s talk about what you'll need for this awesome chicken enchilada casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. We're aiming for easy casserole recipes here, not rocket science.

Main Ingredients

Ok, here's the lowdown. Remember, these measurements don't need to be EXACT. Cooking should be fun, not stressful, you know?

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless. Fresh is best, obvs. Make sure they're plump and pink!
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml)
• Chili Powder: 1 tsp (5ml). Adds that oomph .
• Cumin: ½ tsp (2.5ml) for that earthy vibe.
• Garlic Powder: ½ tsp (2.5ml). Garlic makes everything better!
• Onion Powder: ¼ tsp (1.25ml).
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Go easy on the salt at first.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp (30g).
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (20g). Don't skip this part!
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml), low sodium. Nobody wants a salty casserole!
• Milk: 1 cup (235ml), whole or 2%.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225g), softened. Seriously, softened. Don't be a hero.
• Diced Green Chilies: 1 (4 oz/113g) can , undrained. Gives it a lil' kick!
• Tortillas: 10-12 (6 inch) corn or flour. I prefer corn, gives it that authentic Mexican casserole feel but flour works well.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g). Sharp cheddar works great.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and avocado. Load 'em up!.
• Spice it up: use hot enchilada sauce.

Seasoning Notes

Chili powder and cumin are like, the dynamic duo of southwest casserole flavors. Don't skimp! Garlic powder adds a nice touch.

If you don't have onion powder, just use a pinch of garlic salt. You know? It's all about adjusting to your taste.

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you probably have most of this already.

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For the casserole! A metal or glass one works fine.
• Whisk: To avoid lumps in the sauce. Trust me.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: You kinda need these...unless you're a total pro.

If you don't have a skillet, a large frying pan will work. No whisk? A fork works in a pinch.

Just be patient! This tortilla casserole recipe is super forgiving, so don't stress too much about having the perfect equipment.

Grab those chicken casserole recipes and start cooking!.

We want to turn a tortilla bake into a fiesta casserole ! Layered tortilla casserole here we come!. This tex-mex casserole is going to be amazing!

Cooking Method: Mastering Your Chicken Fiesta Casserole

Hey there, foodies! Ever crave that warm, cheesy, Tex-Mex casserole hug? You know, the kind that just screams comfort and flavour? Well, buckle up because we're diving into the amazing world of chicken enchilada casserole ! Trust me, this tortilla casserole recipe is about to become your new best friend.

I'm all about easy casserole recipes , and this one ticks all the boxes. The best part? It's super versatile.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Power-Up!

Alright, let's talk prep. Seriously, a little mise en place goes a long way. Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to roll.

Dice those green chiles. Shred that cheese. Soften that cream cheese! It is important to get things organized before you start.

It is all about efficiency, baby! It makes the whole process so much smoother. Safety first, always. Don't forget to wash your hands!

step-by-step: From Kitchen Chaos to Fiesta Fabulous!

Here's the lowdown on turning simple ingredients into a fiesta casserole .

1. First, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season 1.5 lbs chicken breasts with 1 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Shred with two forks. Easy peasy!
2. Next, melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute . Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes , then stir in 8 oz cream cheese and the 4 oz can of green chilies. Boom, sauce done.
3. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spread a bit of sauce in a 9x13 baking dish. Layer tortillas (about 10-12 ), chicken, sauce, and 2 cups cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 10- 15 minutes until it's bubbly and golden! This layered tortilla casserole will be delicious.
5. Cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish as you like. A little cilantro never hurt anyone.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game!

Want to take your Southwest casserole from good to amazing ?

• Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken . Brown it in batches for even cooking!
• Always soften the cream cheese beforehand . It makes for a smoother, dreamier sauce.
• You can assemble the whole thing a day ahead! Just cover it and pop it in the fridge. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Spice it up! A little bit of hot enchilada sauce in the Mexican casserole really gives it that extra kick that you're looking for!

Honestly, this tortilla bake is a winner. It is one of those chicken casserole recipes that I always go back to.

It's simple enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for company. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Your Chicken Fiesta Casserole Journey!

Right, so you're about to dive into making this awesome layered tortilla casserole ! Before you get your apron on, let's chat about a few things that'll make your cooking experience even better, yeah? Honestly, I've made so many versions of casseroles with tortillas , and I've learned a few tricks along the way.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, so your Mexican casserole is baked and bubbly. What next? Presentation is key, innit? I love to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some diced tomatoes.

It just makes it look so vibrant and inviting. Think of it as your signature fiesta casserole flourish! A cool Corona with a lime wedge is the perfect adult bevvy pairing.

For sides, keep it simple. Some Mexican rice and refried beans make it a proper meal. Or how about a refreshing side salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette? Easy casserole recipes deserve easy sides, right?

Storing for Later

Now, if you happen to have any of this delicious tortilla bake leftover (unlikely, I know!), here's the lowdown on storage.

For refrigeration, make sure to let the tex-mex casserole cool down completely before covering it tightly and popping it in the fridge. It'll happily keep for up to 3 days.

Freezing this chicken enchilada casserole is also an option. Just wrap it really well in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through.

Mixing it Up: Variations Ahoy!

Fancy a bit of a twist? I get it, sometimes you just want to mix things up! For a vegetarian version of this tortilla casserole recipe , swap out the chicken for black beans, corn, and bell peppers.

It's just as tasty, I promise.

Or, if you're watching your carbs, use low-carb tortillas and load up on the veggies. This is also works with southwest casserole ! Remember, you can also use any cheese you like, as long as it melts nicely!

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's break it down! Each serving of this chicken casserole recipes is roughly 450 calories. You're getting a good dose of protein (around 35g) and some decent fats (about 25g) too.

Remember that it's just an estimate. It will vary depending on your ingredients!

So there you have it! A few extra pointers to make your chicken fiesta casserole a smashing success. Honestly, this recipe is all about having fun and making it your own.

Get stuck in, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!