Casseroles were created for weeknights and busy parents and this one will please the whole family. It is a one dish meal. Just add a side salad and you are set. We updated our old-time family favorite of Chicken Tortilla Casserole with a creamy sauce and corn tortillas. This is homestyle cooking, made from scratch at its best.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time45 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr15 minutesmins
Course: Casseroles
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: casserole, chicken, Chicken Tortilla Casserole, easy dinner, main meal
Preheat oven to 350°F Coat a 9x13-inch oven-proof casserole dish with oil spray.
For the Sauce:
In a small pan set over medium-low heat, add 1 tablespoon of the butter and when it has melted add the grated garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Do not let it brown.
Add the remaining butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper and cook only until the butter is melted.
Stir the flour into the butter making a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth whisking to combine. Continue to whisk until smooth and creamy, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth. Set aside to cool.
For the Filling:
in a large skillet set over medium heat add the oil and when it has warmed add the onion and red pepper. Sauté just until the onion has softened.
Remove from the heat and add the shredded chicken, green chilies and cooled sauce.
Stir in enough of the chicken broth to make the filling thick and spoonable. Add salt and pepper to taste.
To Assemble the Casserole:
Place 6 of the tortillas on the bottom of the casserole dish and add 1/2 of the chicken mixture and 1/2 of the Monterey Jack Cheese and 1/2 of the cheddar cheese. Repeat with a second layer.
Spray a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick oil spray and cover the casserole, sprayed side down.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes; then remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly at the edges.
Transfer from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and/or cilantro leaves
Notes
The creamy Garlic Butter Sauce can be substituted for any recipe calling for canned cream soup.
When stirring in the chicken broth, do so in increments to obtain a thick spoonable mixture.
This casserole can be assembled, covered and refrigerated until ready to bake/serve.
To freeze unbaked, cover with foil and place in freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Place in a 350° preheated oven and bake with foil for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.