Layered Chicken Enchilada Bake

This Layered Chicken Enchilada Bake is like a cross between flavorful enchiladas, a hearty casserole, and an artfully layered lasagna (with tortillas in place of pasta). The flavors and textures are fantastic. I love the sweet kernels of corn with the zippy enchilada sauce and between the chicken, tortillas, and two kinds of beans, this casserole is super filling. Plus, it’s easy to make and you don’t have to roll any enchiladas – bonus!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love Mexican flavors and you are looking for a meaty, cheesy, saucy casserole that will fill you up and satisfy your cravings, this Layered Chicken Enchilada Bake is for you. Plus, it’s only 339 calories or 5 Weight Watchers SmartPoints per serving – no one will ever guess it’s light! This is a great dish to serve the whole family or to make for guests, because it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking dish
• Cooking spray
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Spatula
• Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 (10 oz) cans red enchilada sauce, divided
• 9 (6 inch) yellow corn tortillas (I use Mission Extra Thin Yellow Corn Tortillas)
• 1 (16 oz) can fat free refried beans
• 4 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small bite-sized pieces (about ½”)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans
• ¾ cup frozen corn kernels
• 6 oz 50% light sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I used Cabot)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly mist a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Drizzle about 1/3 cup of the enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish and spread it around with the back of a spoon to lightly coat the bottom.
3. Arrange 4 ½ of the tortillas across the bottom of the dish to cover the majority of the space.
4. Use a spatula to spread the refried beans evenly across the tortillas, forming an even layer across the whole dish. Set aside.
5. In a large skillet or sauté pan, bring the oil to medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and diced onion and stir to coat in the oil.
6. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are softened (6-10 minutes). Drain the liquid from the pan if necessary.
7. Add all the remaining enchilada sauce, the black beans, and the corn, and stir together. Remove from heat.
8. Spoon about half of the chicken and sauce mixture evenly across the top of the refried bean layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle about half of the cheddar cheese evenly across as well.
9. Arrange the remaining 4 ½ tortillas in a similar style to step 3 (flip the layout so any small missing spots from layer 1 would be covered and vice versa).
10. Spoon the remaining chicken and sauce mixture evenly across the newly laid tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
11. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Cut into 8 pieces and serve.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the tortillas cover the dish evenly to prevent the layers from falling apart when serving.
• Use pre-cooked chicken to save time, or cook it ahead of time for quick assembly.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
• Substitute the chicken with turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• 339 calories
• 32 g carbs
• 6 g sugars
• 9 g fat
• 3 g saturated fat
• 31 g protein
• 6 g fiber

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This bake pairs well with a fresh salad, rice, or even some tortilla chips for a crunchy side.

Conclusion

There you have it, a delicious and satisfying Layered Chicken Enchilada Bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let the delightful blend of flavors take center stage at your table. Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you made in the comments below. Enjoy!