If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of Tex-Mex flair, look no further than Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole. This creamy, cheesy, layered dish delivers all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas—without the hassle of rolling each one individually. It’s a family favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes this casserole special, provide a step-by-step recipe, share tips for presentation, and even include calorie and nutrition details to help you enjoy it guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This dish is the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with a creamy sour cream and green chile sauce, then layered with soft tortillas and gooey cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, each bite is packed with tangy, spicy, and savory goodness.
Key highlights:
- One-dish meal: All your protein, carbs, and dairy in one pan.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake it when needed.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or add veggies.
- Kid-friendly: Mild flavors make it great for the whole family.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado or guacamole
- Salsa or hot sauce
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
How to Make Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the creamy filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Layer the casserole:
- Start with a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the dish.
- Tear tortillas into halves or quarters and layer them over the mixture.
- Add a generous scoop of chicken filling, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and garnish: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings, each portion contains approximately:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 28g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
These values are estimates and can vary depending on brands and ingredient substitutions.
Tips for Presentation
A casserole might not always look fancy—but it can still impress with a few finishing touches:
- Garnish liberally: Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or a drizzle of sour cream add color and texture.
- Serve with sides: Complement it with a simple green salad, Spanish rice, or black beans for a complete Tex-Mex spread.
- Use a clear or colorful dish: A brightly colored baking dish or cast iron skillet adds a rustic, homey look that pairs well with the casserole’s charm.
For potlucks or parties, consider cutting the casserole into neat squares and serving each portion in cupcake liners or on individual plates with a garnish.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This casserole is an excellent candidate for meal prep:
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge.
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, making this an ideal dish for next-day lunches.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño to the filling or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or corn for added nutrients.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute low-carb tortillas or layer with thin zucchini slices instead of tortillas.
Final Thoughts
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that captures the essence of easy home cooking. It’s rich and indulgent, but still easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight. With its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving something cozy, this casserole checks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and satisfying.
So grab your casserole dish and get ready to create a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Happy cooking!