If you're craving a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your kitchen, look no further than this Chicken Suizas Enchilada Casserole! This delightful casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sour cream, and zesty green enchilada sauce, all layered between warm corn tortillas and topped with gooey Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to dive into a plate of cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of green enchilada sauce, sour cream, cumin, and salt to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining green enchilada sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Take a corn tortilla and dip it into the green enchilada sauce, coating both sides lightly. Place the tortilla in the baking dish, covering the bottom. Repeat this process with half of the tortillas, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the layer of tortillas in the baking dish, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat the layers by dipping the remaining tortillas in the enchilada sauce and placing them over the cheese layer. Then, add the rest of the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it does not touch the cheese. This will help the cheese melt without burning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a little.
- Before serving, garnish the top with chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve the Chicken Suizas Enchilada Casserole warm, and enjoy with your favorite sides such as rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chicken mixture and layer the casserole a few hours in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake!
- Customize Your Cheese: While Monterey Jack is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick!
- Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Layering Technique: Make sure to overlap the tortillas slightly to create a sturdy base for the casserole. This will help hold everything together when serving.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time will help the layers set and make slicing easier.
- Garnish: Don't skip the cilantro garnish! It adds a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg