Description
This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, cooked rice, and a creamy homemade sauce with zesty green enchilada sauce. Topped with a blend of shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese, this casserole is baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or gathering dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Mixture
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour
Main Casserole
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 2 cups cooked rice (Minute Rice preferred)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Make Roux Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture into the simmering chicken broth mixture, whisking continuously over low heat to prevent lumps.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue to simmer and whisk the combined mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, sour cream, 3/4 cup each of shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese, the prepared thickened chicken broth mixture, salt, cumin, and the green enchilada sauce. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish slightly smaller than a 9×13 inch pan. Evenly spread the remaining shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and is slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves prep time and adds flavor.
- You can substitute cooked white rice with brown rice if preferred.
- If you like more spice, consider adding chopped green chilies or jalapeños.
- For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of sour cream slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
