Zesty Pioneer Woman Green Chile Enchilada Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s green chile chicken enchilada casserole offers a mouthwatering twist on traditional Mexican-inspired comfort food that satisfies deep cravings for spicy, hearty meals.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with zesty green chiles and rich, melted cheese.

Warm corn tortillas create a soft foundation for this delectable dish that promises incredible flavor in every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with minimal preparation time.

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings families together around the dinner table.

Busy households will love how quickly this casserole comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

Why Green Chile Enchilada Casserole Packs a Punch

• Savor Spicy Layered Comfort: This enchilada casserole delivers bold southwestern flavors with a perfect blend of green chiles, cheese, and hearty chicken, creating a mouth-watering dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Master One-Skillet Cooking: Simplify your meal prep by using a single cast-iron skillet for cooking and baking, reducing dishes and maximizing flavor development through each delicious layer.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Magic: Ready in just over an hour, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal cooking stress and maximum taste excitement.

Ingredients That Bring Big Flavor to Every Bite

• Chicken: Shredded or diced meat as the main protein source, preferably cooked and seasoned.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté onions smoothly.
• Cheese: Provides creamy texture and melty goodness, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend works best.

• Tortillas: Corn tortillas preferred for authentic texture and flavor, soft and pliable.
• Refried Beans: Creamy base that adds depth and traditional Mexican texture.
• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and additional texture to the casserole.

• Onion: Provides foundational aromatic base for the dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: Delivers classic Mexican flavor and moisture.
• Green Chiles: Adds mild heat and authentic southwestern taste.
• Adobo Sauce: Brings smoky, tangy depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh topping for brightness and additional texture.
• Cilantro: Provides fresh herbal note and traditional Mexican garnish flavor.

How to Make This Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and melt butter over medium-low heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn a lovely golden brown, which takes about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Enchilada sauce
• Green chiles
• Adobo sauce

Transfer all but of the sauce mixture to a separate bowl for later use.

Step 3: Set the Tortilla Foundation

Carefully arrange 4 tortillas in the skillet over the remaining sauce. Let them slightly overlap in the center and peek up the skillet sides.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Sprinkle of cheese over tortillas
• Add half of the corn
• Dollop half of the refried beans
• Drizzle of reserved sauce

Place another 4 tortillas on top.

• Sprinkle another of cheese
• Add remaining corn
• Add remaining beans
• Drizzle another of reserved sauce

Step 5: Final Topping and Baking

Cover with the final 5 tortillas. Spoon remaining sauce and sprinkle remaining cheese. Cover skillet with foil and bake for 35 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh pico de gallo and chopped cilantro. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Cheesy Chile Casserole Nights

• Melt Cheese Perfectly: Grate your own high-quality cheddar or cheddar-jack right before adding to create smoother, more flavorful layers that blend seamlessly into the enchilada casserole.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients bind together and makes cutting and serving much cleaner and more attractive.
• Shield from Burning: Cover the dish with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover for the final few minutes to achieve that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese topping.
• Create Balanced Layers: Distribute beans, corn, and cheese evenly across each layer to ensure every single bite delivers consistent flavor and texture.
• Toast Tortilla Foundations: Lightly toast corn tortillas before assembling to prevent soggy layers and maintain a pleasant, slightly crisp texture throughout the casserole.

Keeping Enchilada Casserole Fresh for Later

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect your enchilada casserole from freezer burn by vacuum sealing individual portions or the entire dish. This technique removes air completely, preserving flavor and texture for up to 4 months. Perfect for meal preppers and busy families wanting quick, delicious meals.
• Portion Separation Method: Slice the casserole into single servings before storing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. This approach allows you to defrost exactly what you need without compromising the entire dish's quality.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled enchilada casserole into glass containers with airtight lids. These containers prevent moisture loss, maintain food's integrity, and make reheating straightforward. Glass also prevents potential chemical leaching found in some plastic storage options.

Flavorful Twists for a New Take on Enchiladas

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace green chiles with diced jalapeños and chipotle peppers for an extra kick. Add pepper jack cheese to boost heat and complexity.
• Vegetarian Green Chile Delight: Swap chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. Include zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
• Seafood Green Chile Fusion: Use shredded crab or tender shrimp instead of chicken. Incorporate a splash of lime juice and sprinkle cotija cheese on top for a coastal-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Green Chile Alternative: Substitute tortillas with thin layers of roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices. Use a blend of ground turkey and cauliflower rice to create a lighter, protein-packed casserole.

A Zesty Ending to Your Casserole Night

Pioneer Woman’s Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole emerges as southwestern comfort cuisine with bold, layered flavors.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance through melted cheese, tender tortillas, and zesty green chiles.

Skillful cooking techniques create complex textures blending creamy beans, succulent chicken, and spicy sauce.

Cast-iron skillet preparation guarantees crisp edges and rich caramelization.

Homemade layers promise authentic regional taste sensations beyond standard casserole expectations.

Delicious memories await when passionate cooks embrace this culinary masterpiece – click that share button, drop comments celebrating southwestern magic, and spread enchantada excitement with fellow flavor adventurers!

Pioneer Woman Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole brings Southwestern comfort to dinner tables with layers of tangy chicken, creamy sauce, and roasted green chiles. Hearty and satisfying, this dish delivers bold flavors that will transport you to New Mexico’s culinary landscape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 13 corn tortillas
• 4 cups freshly grated cheddar or cheddar-jack cheese
• 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen corn, thawed and patted dry

Sauces and Chiles:

• 1 (15-ounce) can green enchilada sauce
• 1 (7-ounce) can chopped green chiles
• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (tbsp) salted butter
• 1 onion, diced
• Pico de gallo and chopped fresh cilantro, for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base by melting 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the diced onions until they transform into a rich, golden brown color, approximately 8 minutes.
2. Remove the skillet from heat and incorporate the enchilada sauce, minced green chiles, and smoky adobo sauce. Carefully transfer all but 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture to a separate bowl, reserving it for subsequent layering.
3. Create the first tortilla foundation by strategically arranging 4 tortillas in the skillet, ensuring they slightly overlap in the center and gently climb the skillet’s sides, resting atop the remaining sauce.
4. Develop the first flavor stratum by generously sprinkling 1¼ cups (about 140 grams) of shredded cheese over the tortillas. Distribute half of the corn kernels evenly, then carefully spread half of the refried beans. Drizzle ½ cup of the reserved sauce to enhance the moisture and flavor profile.
5. Construct the secondary layer by positioning another 4 tortillas over the previous ingredients. Repeat the layering process with another 1¼ cups (140 grams) of cheese, remaining corn, and beans. Pour an additional ½ cup of reserved sauce to maintain moisture.
6. Complete the casserole by covering with the final 5 tortillas. Lavishly spoon the remaining sauce and sprinkle the last of the cheese across the top. Seal the skillet with aluminum foil and bake at 375˚F (190˚C) until the casserole becomes heated and bubbling, approximately 35 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, appetizing crust. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
8. Garnish with fresh pico de gallo and finely chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a vibrant and inviting Mexican-inspired dish.

Notes

• Grate cheese fresh from a block for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Warm tortillas slightly before layering to enhance their texture and prevent becoming soggy during baking.
• Distribute ingredients carefully across each layer to guarantee balanced taste in every single bite.
• Protect the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to maintain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
• Allow the dish to rest after removing from oven, which helps ingredients settle and makes serving more manageable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 508 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 64 mg