Next time you don’t have a lot of time to make dinner, whip up this chicken enchilada bake! It will be done in 35 minutes and taste like it took hours! Enjoy the flavors of red enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and any toppings your heart desires!
You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Bake
This enchilada bake has every single flavor and element of chicken enchiladas without the hassle of making the sauce and rolling the tortillas. This method takes a delicious dish and simplifies it – my favorite!
Like I said, you can just buy the red enchilada sauce, or try our recipe if you have extra time to whip some up. Then all you have to do is layer all of the ingredients – it doesn’t have to look pretty – and pop it in the oven.
If you’re interested in a dish with more grains, try this chicken quinoa enchilada bake!
Ingredients for a Simple Chicken Enchilada Bake
You all know my favorite recipes call for super easy ingredients and this one is no different! All you need is a handful of simple ingredients to throw together this enchilada dish.
- Red enchilada sauce
- Corn tortillas
- Chicken – shredded
- Onion – chopped
- Green chilies – chopped
- Cheddar cheese – shredded
How To Make This Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2: Layer Enchilada Ingredients
Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, and then top it with 2 corn tortillas. Layer on some shredded chicken, onion, chilies, cheese, and then more enchilada sauce. Repeat the layers. Finally, top the bake with a layer of corn tortillas, sauce, and more sauce.
Step 3: Bake
Bake your enchiladas uncovered for 35 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Toppings
Top your individual serving with toppings such as avocado, sour cream, and/or pico de gallo.
FAQs
Yes! Go ahead and use any baked chicken for this enchilada bake. That’s one of my favorite things about this recipe – you can pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and throw the dish together in just a few minutes!
Many people have their own favorite chicken enchilada recipe, but the basics include shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, and tortillas. You can add additional ingredients based on your preference.
Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for good enchiladas. The flavor and texture lend themselves well to the dish. You can use flour tortillas if you’d like, but the flavor is a lot more neutral and the texture is a lot softer. I’d recommend frying the flour tortillas a little bit before using them with traditional enchiladas – or this recipe – so they don’t get soggy.
Once your enchilada bake cools, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes – then enjoy!
Enchilada Toppings and Pairings
This recipe can be dressed up as much as you want! Here are a few ideas for delicious toppings to enjoy with your chicken enchiladas.
- Sour cream
- More cheese!
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Pico de Gayo
- Chili Peppers
- Fresh Cilantro
- Shredded Lettuce
- Onions
Serve your enchilada bake alongside things like rice, your choice of beans, or salad!
More Enchilada Recipes To Try
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Breakfast Enchiladas
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Beef Enchilada Cups
- Cheese Enchiladas
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Chicken Enchilada Bake
Ingredients
- 2 10 oz cans red enchilada sauce
- 6 6 inch corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 4 oz can chopped green chilies
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish. Top with 2 corn tortillas, 1 cup chicken, 1/4 cup onion, 1/2 of the can of chilies, 1 cup cheese, and drizzle with a little enchilada sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining corn tortillas, cheese and sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Top with favorite toppings such as: avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo