This chicken enchilada casserole layers tortillas, savory chicken, green chiles, and plenty of melted cheese with a creamy homemade sauce. Easy to assemble, bake, and serve. Comfort food without the fuss of rolling enchiladas.
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.
Notes
Add broth gradually: Stir in the chicken broth a little at a time until the mixture is thick and spoonable.Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.Freezer-friendly: Cover the unbaked casserole with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake at 350°F for 30 minutes covered with foil. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more, until bubbly around the edges.