A comforting, cheesy casserole layered with tender chicken, creamy green chile sauce, and melty Monterey Jack cheese. A family-favorite Tex-Mex dinner that’s easy to make and even easier to love!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, Tex-Mex, Make-Ahead Friendly
📝 Ingredients
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken 🍗 (rotisserie chicken works great)
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1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce 🌶️
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1 cup sour cream 🥣
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles 🌿
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2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 🧀
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8 small flour tortillas 🌯
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½ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
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½ teaspoon onion powder 🧅
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Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish) 🌿
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
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In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, sour cream, green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
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Place 4 tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish.
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Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
Step 4: Repeat
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Layer the remaining 4 tortillas.
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Spread the rest of the chicken mixture.
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Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
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Let rest a few minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm!
💡 Notes & Tips
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Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
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Tortilla tip: Warming tortillas slightly prevents tearing.
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Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
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Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for heat!
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photos: mixing filling → layering tortillas → adding cheese → baked casserole → plated portion with garnish)
Pro Tip: Letting the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing helps it hold together better when serving.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Chicken & sour cream: Create a creamy, high-protein filling.
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Green enchilada sauce & chiles: Add mild spice and authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
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Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy layers.
Substitutions:
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Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas to lower W-W points.
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Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Corn, black beans, or sautéed onions for extra texture.
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Fresh lime juice or avocado slices on top.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with a simple green salad or cilantro-lime rice.
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Serve with extra sour cream or hot sauce on the side.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~420 kcal | Protein: ~25g | Carbs: ~24g | Fat: ~23g
W-W Points (per serving using regular ingredients):
➡️ 10 Points
Lightened version (using light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and corn tortillas):
➡️ 7 Points
Points may vary depending on tortilla brand, sour cream type, and cheese. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Wheat (flour tortillas), Dairy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check your enchilada sauce for hidden gluten.
Q: Can I swap the chicken for turkey?
A: Absolutely! Shredded turkey works great, especially for leftovers.
Q: Can I freeze the assembled casserole before baking?
A: Yes—cover tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe was created as a quicker, creamier twist on enchiladas—no rolling tortillas required! It’s been a go-to for busy weeknights and potlucks, with easy ways to adjust for lighter W-W-friendly versions without giving up the melty, satisfying flavors.
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try this Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole? Did you customize it or keep it classic? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!