Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creamy, comforting twist on classic enchiladas that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Layered with tender chicken, melted cheese, and a tangy sour cream sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy any Mexican food craving.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ½ cup frozen corn kernels
  • ¼ cup diced pickled jalapenos or mild green chiles (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 12 corn or flour tortillas (about 6 inches in diameter)
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack or monterey jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spritz a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish and tilt it to spread the sauce evenly.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, the remaining enchilada sauce, frozen corn, diced jalapenos, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well until fully mixed.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 6 tortillas in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, allowing them to overlap slightly.
  4. Step 4: Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas. Spoon half of the sour cream sauce mixture over the chicken and spread it out evenly.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Sprinkle half of this cheese blend evenly over the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, chicken, sour cream sauce, and cheese.
  7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra depth of flavor, warm the enchilada sauce slightly before mixing it into the sour cream sauce.
  • Feel free to swap shredded chicken for cooked turkey or beans for a vegetarian version.
  • Add diced onions or bell peppers to the sauce mixture for added texture and sweetness.
  • Use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, less crispy casserole.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and keep it refrigerated. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have pickled jalapenos?

You can substitute mild green chiles, canned diced green chilies, or fresh jalapenos for varying levels of heat and flavor. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.

Print

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Mexican-inspired baked dish that layers tender shredded chicken, creamy and tangy sour cream sauce, enchilada sauce, and melty cheeses between soft corn or flour tortillas. It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Author: Mick
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce and Filling

  • 10 ounces enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup frozen corn kernels
  • ¼ cup diced pickled jalapenos or mild green chiles (more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Casserole

  • 12 corn or flour tortillas (about 6 inches in diameter)
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack or monterey jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish and tilt it around so the sauce evenly coats the bottom.
  2. Make the Sour Cream Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, remaining enchilada sauce, frozen corn, diced pickled jalapenos, cumin, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly until well blended and smooth.
  3. Layer Tortillas: Arrange 6 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
  4. Add Chicken and Sauce: Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken evenly over the tortillas. Then spoon half of the sour cream sauce mixture over the chicken and spread gently with the back of a spoon to cover evenly.
  5. Sprinkle Cheese: In a bowl, combine the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Sprinkle half of this cheese mixture evenly on top of the sauce layer.
  6. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of 6 tortillas, followed by the remaining shredded chicken, the remaining sour cream sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese mixture evenly sprinkled on top.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese on top.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy enchilada casserole!

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken for shredded turkey or cooked beans for a different protein option.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of jalapenos or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
  • Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
  • This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated; bake it when ready to serve, adding extra time if baking from cold.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken enchilada casserole, sour cream enchiladas, baked enchiladas, easy Mexican casserole, creamy chicken casserole

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