This Traditional Chicken Enchilada Bake brings the warmth and richness of classic Mexican comfort food straight to your kitchen. With layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, this bake is a surefire crowd-pleaser perfect for any dinner table.
The base of the flavor comes from the olive oil, which is used to sauté the onion and garlic, giving them a soft, aromatic quality. The chicken breasts are cooked and shredded, acting as the hearty protein base of the dish. Ground cumin and chili powder lend the authentic Mexican spice, while a touch of salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Enchilada sauce ties everything together with its rich and tangy notes. Corn tortillas provide structure and authentic flavor, while Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
This enchilada bake pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad. For a festive touch, serve with a refreshing lime margarita or a chilled glass of horchata.
First, let's get the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a skillet and heat your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until they're soft and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add your cooked and shredded chicken to the skillet. Season it with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring everything together to ensure the spices evenly coat the chicken. It's all about building layers of flavor here.
Now, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour in 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce, spreading it over the bottom. Lay four corn tortillas on top, ensuring they cover the sauce evenly.
Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken layer. This is where the magic starts to happen.
Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and another cup of cheese. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, tempting you with its golden hue.
Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve it up with some sour cream and sliced avocado for that final touch of deliciousness.