Chicken Enchilada Casserole
An easy to prepare chicken enchilada casserole with only five ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or Cinco de Mayo!
During the week I tend to prefer quick and easy dinners options. I do love cooking, but the thought of whipping up a difficult dinner after being at work all day is a little exhausting. And now that Josh and I are working the same hours we can actually cook dinner together!
Well it’s more like he tries to help, I get frustrated, then finish dinner by myself. I’m still working on that one.
But in all honesty it is kind of nice to have him home in the evenings. Lately, I’ve been trying to find dinner options that are easy to make together. Especially because there are other important things to do, like go to the dog park and binge watch TV shows on Netflix.
I’m only kidding. Sort of. But, this dinner is definitely easy to make and comes together quickly! If you cook your chicken ahead of time, then all you have to do is layer, bake, and eat. Now that sounds like my kind of dinner!
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredients list for this chicken enchilada bake is super simple. Here’s what you will be using:
- Tortillas: We prefer using corn tortillas, but flour tortillas work as well.
- Chicken: Needs to be cooked and shredded ahead of time. A store-bought rotisserie chicken would come in handy here!
- Shredded cheese: I used colby jack, but any kind will work.
- Refried beans: You can use another kind of bean, if desired.
- Enchilada sauce: Spicy or mild enchilada sauce will work.
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This is such an easy chicken enchilada casserole to make! Simply spread some enchilada sauce into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, then begin layering your ingredients.
The tortillas go down first, followed by the refried beans, chicken, and cheese. Repeat this layering process until the ingredients are all used up.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbling!
FAQ’s
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
Of course! Feel free to saute some veggies before layering them into this chicken enchilada bake.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes, very easily. To double this chicken enchilada casserole recipe, simply double the ingredients list and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan.
Cooking Tips
- This chicken enchilada casserole is great served with this Mexican rice as well.
- This easy enchilada casserole can also be made with shredded beef or pork. Use whatever you have on hand!
- To make this vegetarian, omit the chicken and use an extra can of beans. (Check to make sure the beans are vegetarian, not all are).
More Easy Mexican Dinners to Try!
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 cups chicken , cooked and shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (I used colby jack, any kind will work)
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of the baking dish and spread around. Layer two of the corn tortillas on top (I cut mine in half first, but this is optional).
- Spread half of the refried beans on top of the corn tortillas, followed by half of the chicken. Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese on top and then about 1/3 of the remaining enchilada sauce.
- Repeat layers one more time, then top with the two remaining tortillas, the rest of the enchilada sauce, and the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for about 10 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Slightly adapted from Pinch of Yum.
I love quick dinner options during the week, too…I never have enough energy to cook something too involved. This casserole looks perfect, Danielle! My husband and I would both love this, and we crave anything Mexican inspired. Love how easy this is to whip up, too! Pinned!
We love Mexican food around here too! Thanks, Gayle 🙂
I’m such a sucker for chicken enchilada casserole and this looks absolutely phenomenal! So cheesy, comforting and perfect for a Monday! 😉
I am too, I love making it! Thanks, Sarah!
So glad that you and Josh are working the same hours now! Must be so nice to have him home and eat dinner at the same time. This enchilada casserole sounds delicious!
It’s so weird, but it’s definitely nice! Thanks, Natalie 🙂
One of my husband’s favorite dish is chicken enchiladas and I always get lazy rolling them up. Love this easier casserole version, it looks so cheesy and delicious!
I love chicken enchiladas like nobody’s business! And I also love how simplified this is, because yes, binge watching shows on Netflix is a great thing!
Love quick, cheesy recipes! Netflix is totally more important! Lol
Totally love recipes like this Danielle! I am the worst when it comes to weeknight meals if I haven’t seriously planned out my week ahead of time. I could totally see myself making this weekly!
I’m the same way, Alyssa! I always try to have a menu plan ready for the week or we end up with nothing haha 🙂
Easy dinners are a must on weeknights! That’s awesome that you and your husband can cook together now. I’m sure you’ll have him trained in no time! 😉
I’m hoping he will be trained soon 😉 Thanks, Kristine!
This sounds like my kinda dinner, too! Such chees-y goodness! This will be popular in my house!
I’m not good at cooking with my husband. I have to work alone! 🙂
This casserole looks like a great weeknight option. And it’s got Cinco de Mayo flair!
I totally understand where you’re coming from on easy dinners during the week. I teach and am also a barista part-time at Starbucks, and it’s hard to find the motivation to cook when you’ve been going for 10-13 hours. Like you said, there are more important things to do such as spend time with loved ones and NETFLIX! We’re total Mexican fanatics at my house, so this would definitely be a fan favorite in no time. 🙂
Sounds like you definitely stay busy, Erin! Isn’t Mexican food the best?
I had the same feeling last night when I got home from work…what to eat, what to eat! I think this is a great recipe for easy weeknight meals. Would it freeze well?
I honestly haven’t tried freezing it yet, but I think it would probably work just fine!
So happy to hear you and Josh are working the same hours. Kurt and I used to have insane hours so I can relate. Now we’re both home at a decent time and actually eat dinners at a decent time. This is a fabulous recipe. I know Kurt and Briana will love it
Love enchilada casseroles and this one looks so delicious! Love the amount of cheese on top! Perfect for weeknight dinner!
I always prefer to make an enchilada casserole instead of rolling them all up — it’s so much easier! This looks so delicious and would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
That’s why I love the casserole version, can’t believe I didn’t even mention that in the post now! Thanks, Marcie! 🙂
Yum love anything Mexican. This would be perfect for Cinco de Mayo!!
Oh yum! That melted cheese on top looks so good!
I cannot stand to have anyone in the kitchen with me!! Ha. Love this!
Oooh this looks SO good! I love anything in enchilada form, and the casserole version sounds even easier! So much delicious cheesy goodness! 🙂
It’s definitely so much easier! Thanks, Jess!
Love enchilada casseroles…what anything enchilada actually! These look delicious and love easy meals. Haha just tell your hubby you need your space please. 🙂
Haha my hubby knows the kitchen is my domain. But I always leave him the dishes. 😉
Love easy dinners! This enchilada dish looks so good! Pinned!
Haha, sometimes I do leave him the dishes too! Thanks, Mariah!
I’ve made something similar to this, but I used cream cheese instead of refried beans and we call it Chicken Enchilada Lasagna! I bet your version is just as good!