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How to Make a Deliciously Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole in Under an Hour
Preparing a delicious chicken enchilada casserole in under an hour is a simple and rewarding task. With a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time.
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add one diced onion and one diced bell pepper and cook until softened, about five minutes. Add one pound of diced chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about five minutes.
Next, add one can of black beans, one can of corn, one can of diced tomatoes, one teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir to combine and cook for an additional five minutes.
Once the mixture is cooked, transfer it to a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine one cup of sour cream, one cup of shredded cheese, and one cup of enchilada sauce. Spread the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish.
Finally, top the casserole with eight to ten corn tortillas, torn into pieces. Sprinkle with additional cheese and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to cool for five minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The Benefits of Making a Chicken Enchilada Casserole Ahead of Time
Preparing a chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time can be a great way to save time and energy when it comes to meal preparation. This dish is a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here are some of the benefits of making a chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time:
Convenience: Preparing a chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time allows you to have a delicious meal ready to go when you need it. This can be especially helpful for busy families who don’t have time to prepare a meal from scratch every night.
Time Savings: Making a chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time can save you time in the kitchen. All you have to do is assemble the ingredients, bake the casserole, and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Cost Savings: Making a chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time can also save you money. By preparing the dish in advance, you can buy ingredients in bulk and save money on your grocery bill.
Versatility: Chicken enchilada casserole is a very versatile dish. You can customize it to your tastes by adding different ingredients such as vegetables, beans, or cheese. You can also make it as spicy or mild as you like.
These are just a few of the benefits of making a chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy a delicious and convenient meal that is sure to please the whole family.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Enchilada Casserole Every Time
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add 1 pound of diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
5. Add 1/2 cup of diced onion and 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened.
6. Add 1 can of enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
9. Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
10. Place 6-8 tortillas in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
11. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
12. Top with half of the cheese mixture.
13. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese mixture.
14. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
15. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
16. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
17. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Creative Ways to Customize Your Chicken Enchilada Casserole
1. Add a layer of crunchy tortilla chips to the top of the casserole before baking. This will give the dish a nice crunchy texture.
2. Add a layer of cheese to the top of the casserole before baking. This will give the dish a cheesy flavor and a nice golden color.
3. Add a layer of cooked vegetables to the casserole before baking. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.
4. Add a layer of cooked beans to the casserole before baking. This will add protein and flavor to the dish.
5. Add a layer of cooked rice to the casserole before baking. This will add texture and flavor to the dish.
6. Add a layer of cooked sausage or chorizo to the casserole before baking. This will add flavor and a nice smoky taste to the dish.
7. Add a layer of cooked shrimp or fish to the casserole before baking. This will add flavor and a nice seafood taste to the dish.
8. Add a layer of cooked mushrooms to the casserole before baking. This will add flavor and a nice earthy taste to the dish.
9. Add a layer of cooked bell peppers to the casserole before baking. This will add flavor and a nice crunchy texture to the dish.
10. Add a layer of cooked onions to the casserole before baking. This will add flavor and a nice sweet taste to the dish.
The Best Toppings for a Deliciously Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A delicious chicken enchilada casserole is a great way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish without spending hours in the kitchen. To make this dish even more flavorful and enjoyable, consider adding some of the following toppings:
1. Freshly chopped cilantro: This herb adds a bright, fresh flavor to the casserole.
2. Sliced jalapenos: For a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapenos to the top of the casserole.
3. Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds a creamy texture and flavor to the dish.
4. Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy flavor to the casserole.
5. Sliced olives: Olives add a salty, briny flavor to the dish.
6. Sliced avocados: Avocados add a creamy texture and a mild flavor to the casserole.
7. Salsa: For a bit of extra flavor, top the casserole with your favorite salsa.
By adding these toppings to your chicken enchilada casserole, you can create a delicious and easy meal that is sure to please.
How to Make a Healthier Version of a Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A chicken enchilada casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, it can be high in fat and calories. To make a healthier version of this dish, there are a few simple changes that can be made.
First, use leaner cuts of chicken, such as skinless chicken breasts or thighs. This will reduce the amount of fat in the dish. Additionally, use low-fat cheese and low-sodium enchilada sauce. This will help to reduce the amount of sodium and fat in the dish.
Next, use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas. Whole wheat tortillas are higher in fiber and contain more nutrients than white flour tortillas. Additionally, use a variety of vegetables in the dish. This will add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Finally, use low-fat sour cream and Greek yogurt as a topping. This will add creaminess to the dish without adding too much fat.
By making these simple changes, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier version of a chicken enchilada casserole.
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