Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Beloved Comfort Classic
Introduction
This Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a layered, no-roll enchilada bake that has been passed among friends and family with the urgent note: “Don’t Lose This Recipe!” Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for delicious leftovers, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
A Brief History
While traditional enchiladas date back to Mayan times, the casserole version is a modern American twist that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. It reflects the ingenuity of home cooks who sought to capture the essence of enchiladas—tender tortillas, savory fillings, and melted cheese—in a simpler, layered format. The addition of cream-based soups and sour cream speaks to the post-war era’s embrace of convenient, pantry-friendly ingredients, creating a creamy, mild alternative to the more chili-heavy original versions.
Ingredients
· 4 cups diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
· 8 oz. (1 cup) sour cream
· 2/3 cup milk
· 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, undrained
· 2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
· 1 tsp. garlic powder
· Freshly ground black pepper to taste
· 12 corn tortillas
· 2-3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8-12 oz)
· Cooking spray
Methods & Instructions
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 8
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, the entire can of green chiles (with their liquid), dried minced onion, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Layer the Casserole:
· First Layer: Place 6 corn tortillas in a single layer on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
· Chicken & Sauce: Sprinkle 2 cups of the diced chicken evenly over the tortillas. Pour half of the sour cream sauce over the chicken, spreading gently with a spatula to cover.
· Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
· Repeat: Create a second layer with the remaining 6 tortillas, the remaining 2 cups of chicken, the rest of the sauce, and finally the remaining cheese.
4. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Rest: Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Formation & Structure
This is a layered casserole, built in the following order from the bottom up:
Tortilla Base → Protein (Chicken) → Cream Sauce → Cheese → REPEAT.
This structure ensures every forkful captures all components: the soft tortillas soak up the creamy sauce, the chicken provides hearty substance, and the cheese creates a glorious, cohesive bond between layers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1/8 of casserole)
· Calories: ~480
· Protein: 30g
· Carbohydrates: 28g
· Fat: 27g
· Saturated Fat: 13g
· Cholesterol: 110mg
· Sodium: ~900mg
· Fiber: 3g
· Sugar: 4g
· Key Nutrients: High in calcium, vitamin A, and protein.
Benefits & Why We Love It
· Comfort in a Dish: The creamy, cheesy, savory flavor profile is the definition of hearty comfort food.
· Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, or bake and freeze for future meals.
· Family & Crowd Pleaser: Its mild yet flavorful profile appeals to both kids and adults.
· Economical & Efficient: An excellent use for leftover or rotisserie chicken, minimizing food waste.
· Simplified Process: Eliminates the tedious step of rolling individual enchiladas without sacrificing flavor.
For The Lovers (Customization Ideas)
This recipe is a perfect canvas for personalization:
· Spice Lovers: Add 1 tsp cumin, a pinch of cayenne, or mix in 1 cup of your favorite salsa or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
· Tex-Mex Lovers: Substitute Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for the cheddar. Add a layer of rinsed black beans with the chicken.
· Freshness Lovers: Top baked servings with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of cool sour cream.
· Green Chile Lovers: Use two cans of green chiles or add a layer of roasted Hatch green chiles.
· Low-Carb Lovers: Substitute the corn tortillas with low-carb flour tortillas or layers of sliced zucchini.
Conclusion
The Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, beloved tradition. It masterfully balances ease of preparation with deeply comforting results. The creamy sauce tenderizes the tortillas, the chicken makes it substantial, and the melted cheese brings it all together in a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s a dish that consistently earns its place at the table and its emphatic title: “Don’t Lose This Recipe!” Serve it with a simple side salad or seasoned rice and beans for a complete meal that is sure to gather everyone around the table, eager for seconds.
