Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas! It combines layers of creamy goodness, tender chicken, and melted cheese—all without the hassle of rolling tortillas. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, enhancing the anticipation of a delicious meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining friends and family. It not only satisfies hunger but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at the dinner table. Plus, it appeals to the whole family, making it an instant hit for anyone who loves comfort food. If you’re ready to whip up a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds, let’s get started on this amazing recipe!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole brings you all the authentic flavors of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas. By using simple layering techniques, you can enjoy the rich and creamy taste of enchiladas in a fraction of the time. Each bite is a delightful combination of tender chicken, luscious sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. It not only looks beautiful when served but also delivers on comfort, making it ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Besides being incredibly delicious, this Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole offers convenience that busy cooks will appreciate. It’s super easy to prepare, allowing you to assemble it ahead of time for those hectic evenings. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, and in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a meal that pleases everyone at the table. This casserole keeps well, and it’s a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prep. Your family will love it so much that it’s bound to become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup (28 grams) butter
• ¼ cup (32 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (230 grams) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (20 grams) chopped pickled jalapeños
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pickled jalapeño juice
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground black pepper
• 3 cups (420 grams) cooked and shredded chicken
• 12 (12) 6-inch flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded Cheddar cheese

Make the Sauce

To start, grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Melt the butter until it bubbles, then stir in the flour. Keep mixing for about one minute to form a roux. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become aromatic. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. As the sauce thickens—this usually takes about 5 minutes—keep stirring to prevent lumps. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and mix in the sour cream, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño juice, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. This flavorful sauce will bring everything together beautifully!

Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time for the fun part! Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Start by layering six tortillas at the bottom of the dish, overlapping them slightly. Next, place half of the shredded chicken evenly over the tortillas. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the chicken and sprinkle one cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining tortillas, chicken, and sauce. Finally, top it all off with the rest of the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese. You can already sense the magic happening, can’t you?

Bake the Casserole

Cover your beautiful casserole tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake it for 30 minutes to let all those flavors meld together. After that, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be ready to serve up some smiles!

Serving Suggestions

This delicious Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or some homemade salsa. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra touch of creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright and beautiful finish, making the dish not just tasty, but visually appealing too.

Tips for Success

• Consider using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation—this saves time and adds great flavor!
• You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños to suit your taste.
• When baking, ensure you cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the casserole moist and tender.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, try making a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with black beans and additional vegetables. You could also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier kick. For added texture and flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn to the sauce as well!

Storage Tips

After enjoying this lovely casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through, making mealtime a breeze!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze this Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
Absolutely! Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw before baking.

3. What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can easily use Greek yogurt as a substitute, and it will give you a similar tangy flavor.

4. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Definitely! Corn tortillas add a lovely flavor and are gluten-free, so feel free to make the switch.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?
It’s simple; increase the amount of chopped jalapeños or even add some diced fresh chilies to the layers for an extra kick.

This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole transforms everyday ingredients into a heartwarming dish that appeals to the senses and brings loved ones together. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, ensuring your family will request it again and again. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing this delightful casserole, and savor the smiles as you serve it hot from the oven!

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