Creamy Dreamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Recipe Introduction: Your New Fave Comfort Food
Ever have one of those days? Honestly, sometimes you just need a hug. And sometimes, a White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the next best thing.
It’s like a big, warm blanket of cheesy goodness. This is a proper Chicken Enchilada Recipe White Sauce that's easy peasy!
Quick Hook: Cheesy, Chickeny Bliss
Ready for creamy, dreamy comfort? This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe is your ticket. This easy chicken enchilada bake is packed with tender chicken and a luscious white sauce.
It will knock your socks off.
Brief Overview: Southwestern Comfort
The White Enchilada Casserole is a riff on classic southwestern flavours. Think of it as the cool cousin to regular enchiladas.
It’s super easy. Prep takes about 20 minutes , and baking is 30 minutes . This will serve 6-8 hungry peeps.
Main Benefits: Comfort in a Casserole
This creamy chicken casserole recipe is pure comfort food. It is also packed with protein. It is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering.
This Weeknight Enchilada Casserole is special, because it's dead simple and tastes amazing. You can also call it Southwestern Chicken Casserole.
Fancy tucking into that right now? Let’s get to the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this White Chicken Enchilada Casserole masterpiece! Don't stress. It's all pretty straightforward. This Easy chicken enchilada bake starts with the basics, but the quality of ingredients truly shines through.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) . Cooked and shredded. Honestly, use whatever method you prefer: boiled, baked, even rotisserie chicken. Key is: don't overcook. You want tender, juicy chicken for the best White Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas .
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . For sautéing. Extra virgin is always a good shout, adds a lovely flavour.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup . Yellow or white works perfectly.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, but jarred is fine in a pinch. No judgement here!
- Green Chiles: 1 (4 ounce / 113g) can , diced. Don't drain them! The liquid adds flavour. Go for mild if you're spice averse, or medium if you like a little kick in this Southwestern chicken casserole .
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted. Vital for that roux. Don't skimp on quality.
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons (30g) . For the roux, again.
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups (710ml) . Low sodium is your friend here. We can always add more salt later. A good quality broth makes all the difference for this Chicken Enchilada Recipe White Sauce .
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (237ml) . This is what makes it a creamy chicken casserole recipe. Don't sub with milk you need the richness.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) . Softened! Please, for the love of all that is holy, soften it. Cold cream cheese is a pain.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- White Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon . Or black pepper, if you prefer. I like white pepper for the colour.
- Corn Tortillas: 10-12 , cut into quarters. Flour tortillas work too, but corn is more authentic for a Weeknight enchilada casserole .
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Or a Mexican blend. Freshly shredded is always better.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (Or Not!)
The chili powder, cumin, and oregano combo is essential . It's the base flavour profile. For a bit of a boost, consider a pinch of smoked paprika or some chipotle powder.
These spices gives the White Enchilada Casserole extra flavour. Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment! A little lime juice squeezed into the chicken filling brightens things up too.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen. Just the basics for this Comfort food casserole recipes .
- Large Skillet: For the chicken and sauce. Non-stick is your friend.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The size matters! Too small, and it'll overflow. Too big, and it'll dry out.
- Whisk: For the sauce. Prevents lumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvious, but worth mentioning. Accuracy is key.
That's it! No need for a million gadgets. Now, let's get cooking this Chicken Enchilada Easy dish!
Right then, let's get cracking on this White Chicken Enchilada Casserole ! Think of it as enchiladas gone posh. It's comfort food, but with a sophisticated edge. We are baking!
Cooking Method: From Prep to Plating This Amazing White Chicken Enchilada Casserole!
Honestly, this Chicken Enchilada Recipe White Sauce is so easy, it's almost criminal. This White Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas version is all about the bake!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place: First, get your ingredients prepped. Shred the chicken. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your spices. You know, the usual suspects!
- Time saving organization tips: Cook the chicken ahead of time. Rotisserie chicken from the supermarket works a treat! Plus, pre-shredded cheese saves a bit of time.
- Safety reminders: Remember to wash your hands. Don't lick the spoon... well, maybe just a little!
step-by-step Process: Easy Does It
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Stir in shredded chicken, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1- 2 minutes for a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth and simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thickened.
- Layer tortilla pieces, chicken, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes .
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving this White Enchilada Casserole .
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Casserole Game
- Expert technique: Toast the tortillas slightly before layering. This prevents sogginess.
- Common mistake to avoid: Soggy casserole. Use the right amount of sauce. Not too much!
- make-ahead options: Assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just add baking time when you are ready.
This Creamy chicken casserole recipe is perfect when you need Easy chicken enchilada bake , or a Southwestern chicken casserole for a Weeknight enchilada casserole .
I love Comfort food casserole recipes !
This White Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the bomb! It's creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying. Plus, it's easy enough for a weeknight meal. Honestly, you'll be making this one again and again. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Right, so you're ready to whip up this White Chicken Enchilada Casserole ! Honestly, it's easier than assembling flat pack furniture.
But before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that’ll make your casserole sing. Think of these as my little secrets for the best creamy chicken casserole recipe .
Serving Suggestions
Plating Perfection: Presentation matters, even for comfort food casserole recipes ! Think about dolloping a spoonful onto a plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh coriander and maybe a cheeky lime wedge.
It just brightens everything up, you know?
Sidekicks and Sips: A crisp green salad is your mate here. A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness. For drinks, a light beer or even a Southwestern chicken casserole themed margarita hits the spot.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Fridge Rules: Got leftovers of your easy chicken enchilada bake ? Pop 'em in an airtight container. They're good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Trust me, it tastes even better the next day.
Freezer Fun (If You Must): Freezing this white enchilada casserole works, but the texture might change a bit. The sauce can get a tad watery.
Wrap it well, and it's good for about 2-3 months.
Reheating Realness: Microwave is fine in a pinch. But honestly, the oven is best. Cover it with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
About 15- 20 minutes .
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Dietary Tweaks: Want a healthier Chicken Enchilada Recipe White Sauce version? Use light cream cheese and reduced fat cheese. You won’t even notice the difference, promise.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, chuck in some grilled corn. Autumn? Roasted butternut squash would be ace. Just have fun and get creative. Use what's around!
Nutrition Basics
Okay, so this white cheesy chicken enchiladas dish isn't exactly a salad. But it's got chicken for protein, and the cheese is calcium rich.
Think of it as chicken enchilada easy comfort food, not health food! One serving has about 450-550 calories . Portion control, my friend.
Portion control.
Right, that's it from me. Now go get your bake on and enjoy this Weeknight enchilada casserole ! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the White Chicken Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with cling film or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday saves you precious time!
What's the best way to store leftover White Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Like a good cheese, some say it tastes even better the next day!
I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese. What other cheese can I use in this White Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
Monterey Jack is excellent for its mild flavour and meltiness, but several other cheeses would work beautifully in your White Chicken Enchilada Casserole. A Mexican cheese blend is a great substitute, or you could use cheddar (mild or sharp, depending on your preference), provolone, or even a bit of pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Just avoid anything too strong that might overpower the other flavors, like a really pungent blue cheese.
My white sauce is lumpy! How can I fix it?
Lumpy sauce is a common kitchen woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on a pie! Don't panic. If your sauce is lumpy, try using an immersion blender to smooth it out directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can pour the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lumps.
Just make sure to whisk constantly while making the roux to avoid future lumps.
Can I make this White Chicken Enchilada Casserole healthier?
Certainly! There are a few simple swaps you can make to lighten up this dish. Use light cream cheese and reduced fat shredded cheese, and consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for serving. You can also bulk it up with extra veggies like corn or bell peppers for added nutrients and fibre.
Is there a substitute for the corn tortillas? I'm not a huge fan.
While corn tortillas are traditional, you can definitely use flour tortillas instead in your White Chicken Enchilada Casserole! They offer a slightly different texture and flavour, but the end result will still be delicious.
Alternatively, you could try using crumbled tortilla chips for a more "nacho esque" vibe, or even layering it with cooked rice or quinoa for a different twist altogether.
Creamy Dreamy White Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 20-30g |
