Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman chicken enchilada casserole is packed with flavor and so easy to layer together.

Start by layering hearty corn tortillas, tender shredded chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a dish that’s robust and satisfying.

Want a good tip?

Gently warming the tortillas beforehand allows them to roll better and absorb the delicious sauce more thoroughly.

Another reason I love this recipe is its flexibility—switch out the chicken for beef or even a vegetarian filling with black beans and roasted veggies.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp Canola Oil
• 12 Corn Tortillas
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 1 Jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
• 2 1/2 cups Chicken (cooked, shredded)
• 1 can Enchilada Sauce (28 oz)
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can Diced Green Chilies (4 oz)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

This initial step helps get your oven ready for baking.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, green chilies, and sour cream.

This forms a delicious and creamy base!

Step 3:

Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4:

Layer tortillas, shredded chicken, diced onion, and jalapeño in the dish.

Repeat with a layer of sauce and cheese.

Step 5:

Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve hot!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Tortilla Tricks:

Toasting your tortillas lightly before layering can add a fun, crispy texture to your casserole.

A quick sear on a pan can help with this.

Spice Level:

You can modify the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or by choosing a milder enchilada sauce.

Feel free to balance according to your taste preferences!

Cheese Choices:

If you love extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle some cheese between the layers as well as on top!

This ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.

Leftover Love:

Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer at 350°F for 7 minutes, with foil to retain moisture!

Remove the foil for an additional 3 minutes.

Make-Ahead:

Consider preparing this dish a day in advance and storing it in the fridge; it’ll give the flavors more time to meld together beautifully.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Guacamole

You can’t go wrong with a classic side like guacamole.

Prepare it with fresh avocados, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt.

Serve this creamy dip chilled alongside your casserole for a refreshing complement.

Refried Beans

Refried beans add a hearty touch.

They are packed with protein and pair beautifully with the flavors of the enchilada casserole.

Warming them up on the stove is easy, making them a simple addition to your meal.

Spanish Rice

Spanish rice brings vibrant flavors and a lovely texture contrast.

This side dish can enhance the experience with its fragrant spices and colorful appearance.

It’s mild enough to let the enchiladas shine while adding its own unique twist.

Pico de Gallo

Make some fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.

A spoonful of this salsa adds a zesty kick and lively burst of flavor.

It’s an easy way to introduce some freshness to each bite of your enchilada casserole.

Taco Soup

A bowl of taco soup on the side might be unexpected but so comforting!

With its blend of beans and spices, it’s perfect for rounding out your meal.

It’s a great way to enjoy more of those fabulous Mexican flavors in a new form.

Grilled Veggies

Consider serving a grilled veggie salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

The smokiness from the grilled veggies adds depth to the casserole’s taste.

This combination not only looks stunning on the plate but is also healthy and satisfying.

Brussels Sprouts with Lime

Rustle up some roasted Brussels sprouts with a twist of lime.

The tangy lime brightens the earthy flavors of the sprouts, making them an unexpected but tasty pairing.

This can be a surprising hit that offers a unique balanced flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

You don’t have to stick with chicken for this casserole.

Try using turkey, ground beef, or even a vegetarian option like black beans!

Tortilla Choices

Corn tortillas add an authentic touch, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture.

For a crispier bite, consider using tortilla chips.

Sauce Adjustments

You can use red or green enchilada sauce, depending on your flavor preference.

Mix in some salsa for an extra kick if that’s your style!

Cheese Changes

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, but you can swap these for Colby or pepper jack for a bit of spice.

Vegetable Variations

Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to ramp up the veggie content.

Spice It Up

If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some hot sauce in the sauce mixture!

These tweaks make the dish your own.

Your creativity can turn this casserole into something new every time you make it!

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Storing leftovers doesn’t have to be tricky when you’ve got delicious chicken enchilada casserole on your hands!

First, wait for the casserole to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.

Use an airtight container to keep your casserole fresh and tasty for up to three days.

Freezing Leftovers

If you’ve got a larger batch, you might want to freeze some for later!

Portion the casserole into smaller servings before placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers.

Label with the date to stay organized on what needs to be used first.

Storage Tips

To keep the flavors intact, press a sheet of plastic wrap against the surface before sealing with the lid.

This extra step helps prevent air from drying out your casserole.

Think ahead and thaw in the fridge overnight for an easy next-day meal.

Extended Storage

For longer storage, freezing is definitely your best bet!

Make a note to use frozen casserole within two months for the best taste and texture.

When you’re ready, just set it in the fridge to thaw completely before reheating the next day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Sauce

One common mistake is using too much sauce, which can make the casserole soggy.

Pour just enough to cover the layers evenly without overwhelming everything.

It’s hard to resist because it’s delicious, but without restraint, you’ll end up with a soggy dish!

Not Covering While Baking

Another error is not covering the dish when baking.

Covering with foil traps the moisture and prevents the top from becoming too dry.

Take off the foil for the last few minutes if you want a bit of crispiness on top!

Neglecting Ingredient Quality

Be sure not to skip on quality for the main ingredients like chicken and tortillas.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in taste.

Fresh tortillas hold up better, and cooked chicken remains tender and flavorful!