Magical Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s chicken enchilada casserole represents the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Southern-inspired dishes often shine with their rich, layered flavors and hearty textures.

Creamy, cheesy layers meld together to create a stunning meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Families gather around this casserole, drawn by its irresistible aroma and promise of satisfaction.

Mexican-inspired cuisine brings vibrant spices and techniques that elevate home cooking to something extraordinary.

Every bite tells a story of culinary passion and traditional cooking methods.

Why Chicken Enchilada Casserole Is a Must-Try Recipe

• Savor Rich Flavor Layers: This chicken enchilada casserole combines multiple flavor dimensions with creamy cheese sauce, spicy jalapeños, tender chicken, and zesty green chiles that dance together in every single bite.
• Enjoy Effortless Comfort Cooking: The recipe simplifies traditional enchilada preparation by creating a casserole-style dish that eliminates individual rolling complexity while maintaining authentic Mexican-inspired taste profiles.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal Magic: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, this dish delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal kitchen stress, serving up hearty portions that guarantee smiles around the dinner table.
• Experience Texture Wonderland: Each forkful offers a delightful contrast between soft, slightly crispy tortillas, creamy cheese sauce, and succulent chicken, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

The Key Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

• Chicken: Lean protein base for the casserole, preferably boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft base for rolling enchiladas, best when fresh and pliable.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Cheese: Melty and flavorful, provides gooey consistency and golden topping.

• Onion, Jalapeño: Provides depth of flavor and mild heat to the dish.
• Green Chiles: Adds subtle spiciness and complexity to the overall taste.

• Paprika: Offers warm, slightly sweet flavor and color to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing, adds bright, herbal notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil for sautéing and frying tortillas.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth roux for the cheese sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and deepens the savory flavor.

• Flour: Used to create a roux and thicken the cheese sauce.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe Instructions Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Tortillas

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly fry tortillas for 20 seconds each to soften them. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Cook Chicken Filling

• Chicken
• Half of diced green chiles
• Paprika

Stir ingredients together.

Step 3: Create Chicken Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the chicken mixture. Stir until bubbling and hot. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1 minute. Gradually add 1 chicken broth, continuing to whisk for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Cheese Sauce

• Diced green chiles
• Paprika

Reduce heat. Mix in sour cream and 1 cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Assemble Enchiladas

Spoon chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese. Roll up tortillas and place seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 7: Bake Casserole

Pour cheese sauce over rolled tortillas. Add extra cheese if desired. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Sprinkle chopped cilantro generously over the top before serving.

Tips That Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe Even Better

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic before adding to chicken mixture for richer, more complex taste profiles.
• Seal Moisture Magically: Dip corn tortillas in warm sauce before layering to prevent dryness and enhance overall enchilada texture.
• Customize Cheese Combinations: Blend monterey jack with sharp cheddar for a more interesting and creamy melting experience.
• Control Spice Levels: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles strategically to adjust heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Elevate Leftover Potential: Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and improve next-day taste.

How to Store Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe Right

• Freezer Storage: Seal the casserole tightly in a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Wrap the dish in aluminum foil first for extra protection. Label with the date and contents, ensuring you'll have a delicious meal ready within 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain its original flavor and texture.
• Refrigerator Preservation: Cool the casserole to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Transfer to an airtight container or cover with tight-fitting plastic wrap. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and food safety. Place on the middle shelf of the refrigerator to maintain consistent temperature and prevent contamination from other foods.
• Portion Control Storage: Divide the casserole into individual servings before storing. Use small, stackable containers for easy refrigeration.

Fun Ways to Reinvent Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

• Vegetarian Verde: Swap chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Add extra jalapeños for a spicy kick and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat. Include diced green chiles and a splash of lime juice for a coastal-inspired enchilada casserole.
• Spicy Chorizo Fusion: Substitute chicken with crumbled Mexican chorizo sausage. Mix in diced potatoes and increase the jalapeño quantity for a robust, fiery version of the original recipe.
• Green Chile Turkey Transformation: Use ground turkey instead of chicken. Incorporate more green chiles and add a sprinkle of cumin for a leaner protein option with enhanced southwestern flavors.

Ending Thoughts on Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Culinary adventures await with this Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole, a delightful Mexican-inspired dish that promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Rich, creamy cheese sauce embraces tender chicken-filled tortillas, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Jalapeños and green chiles add a subtle kick, elevating the entire dining experience to new heights.

Homemade recipes like this connect families and friends around warm, inviting meals that spark conversation and joy.

Spice levels can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, making this casserole a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican comfort meets hearty home cooking in this Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Layers of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and melted cheese create a delicious one-dish meal that brings warmth and flavor to your family table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 3 4-ounces (113 grams) cans of whole green chiles, diced

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour

Base and Supplementary Ingredients:

• 12 whole corn tortillas
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 whole jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 2 cups reserved broth from chicken
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Picante sauce (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of canola oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Gently fry the tortillas for approximately 20 seconds on each side to soften them, ensuring they remain pliable without becoming crisp. Transfer the tortillas onto a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb excess oil.
2. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of canola oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and diced jalapeño, sautéing for one minute to initiate the cooking process. Incorporate shredded chicken, half of the green chiles, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of paprika, stirring to combine thoroughly.
3. Pour 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring until the mixture bubbles and becomes heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) of chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Fold in the remaining green chiles and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of paprika, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
6. Reduce heat to low, then gently stir in sour cream and 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) of shredded cheese until completely melted and integrated. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. For assembly, distribute the chicken mixture evenly across each softened tortilla. Sprinkle a portion of the remaining 1 cup (227 grams) of cheese over the filling, then carefully roll up each tortilla. Position the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-centimeter) baking dish.
8. Evenly pour the prepared cheese sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage. Optional: Add an extra layer of shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the surface turns golden and the edges become bubbly. Before serving, generously garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Get ready with high-quality ingredients before starting the cooking process. Prep work makes the entire recipe smooth and enjoyable.
• Chicken preparation sets the foundation for delicious enchiladas. Select tender meat that shreds easily and remains moist during baking.
• Green chile sauce requires careful attention to develop rich, authentic flavors. Homemade sauce always tastes better than store-bought versions.
• Corn tortillas provide authentic texture and traditional Mexican taste. Selecting the right tortilla makes a significant difference in your final dish.
• Frying tortillas quickly prevents soggy edges and enhances overall recipe quality. Hot oil transforms ordinary tortillas into delectable wrappers for your filling.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg