Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Creamy Comfort Dish
Introduction
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken enchiladas with the convenience of a casserole. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or any time you need a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For this delectable casserole, you will need:
- 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (great use for leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (4 oz) of diced green chiles
- 1 cup of onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and green chiles in a bowl. Mix well until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for topping the casserole later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and soft.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the sautéed onions and garlic into the chicken along with half of the shredded cheese and the chicken broth to keep it moist.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer six tortillas at the bottom of the dish, overlapping as necessary.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Layer another six tortillas on top of the chicken mixture.
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the second layer of tortillas.
- Pour the reserved sour cream mixture evenly over the top layer, ensuring it covers everything.
Step 4: Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole with a side of Spanish rice, a fresh salad, or some refried beans. For an extra kick, offer some jalapeños, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
Conclusion
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, offering all the flavor with less effort. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation, providing a comforting and satisfying dinner option for any night of the week.
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.Layer Tortillas and Chicken:Cut the tortillas into strips or quarters for easier layering. Place half of the tortillas in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with the shredded chicken and half of the chopped onion.Add Cheese and Repeat Layers:Sprinkle one cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken. Layer the remaining tortillas, onion, and another cup of Monterey Jack cheese.Mix Sour Cream and Enchilada Sauce:In a bowl, mix together the sour cream and enchilada sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole layers.Final Cheese Layer:Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top for a gooey, golden crust.Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.Garnish and Serve:Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sliced avocados on the side, if desired.Serving Suggestions:Serve this hearty casserole with a side of refried beans or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.Consider adding a dollop of guacamole or extra sour cream on top when serving for added creaminess and flavor.