Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8 servings (one 9x13" dish)
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Calories
356 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Mexican
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Description
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole blends shredded cooked chicken with a mix of Greek yogurt, drained tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and flavorful spices such as cumin, garlic and onion powder, chili powder, and kosher salt. Layered with corn tortillas and Mexican shredded cheese, the casserole is assembled in repeated layers and topped with sliced olives before baking uncovered at 350°F. The baking time develops a creamy, cheesy texture throughout, with the flavors melding while maintaining a wholesome balance, thanks to the use of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
The casserole offers a rich texture from the yogurt and cheese paired with tender chicken and slightly crisped tortilla edges. Olives add a salty contrast, complementing the mild spiciness of the tomato and chili blend. Fresh garnishes like cilantro, green onions, or sliced avocado brighten the dish and enhance its flavor complexity.
After baking, letting the casserole rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve with added toppings. It can be a main dish suitable for family meals, with flexible serving options including sides like salsa or guacamole to round out the plate.
To save time, using pre-cooked shredded chicken such as rotisserie supports quick assembly. The recipe notes suggest that assembling the casserole the night before is feasible, though bake time might increase if baked from chilled. Monitoring the casserole while baking and tenting with foil if it browns too quickly ensures an even cook without burning.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Greek yogurt plain whole
- 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 oz each, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen
- 2 ½ tsp cumin ground
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 cups chicken rotisserie works well, cooked shredded
- 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese low-fat, divided
- ¼ cup olives sliced
- 12 corn tortillas
- cilantro for garnishing, or green onions, avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F with rack on lower middle position. Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish (or two 9-10" round pans). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, drained tomatoes with chilies, corn, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and chili powder. Whisk or stir until smooth. Add cooked, shredded chicken and combine well.
- Layer half of the tortillas onto bottom of greased baking dish. Evenly spread half of the yogurt/chicken mixture on top. Evenly top with half of the cheese. Repeat layers. Top with olives.
- Bake uncovered 25 minutes; tent loosely with foil partway through if top is browning too quickly.
- Let sit at room temp 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, sliced avocado, or corn salsa.
Notes
- The casserole can be assembled the night before, but baking time may need to be increased if baking from cold.
- Choose low-fat Greek yogurt and low-fat Mexican cheese to keep the dish healthier without sacrificing creaminess.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it firm up and make slicing easier.
- Using pre-cooked, shredded chicken such as rotisserie shortens preparation time.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil during baking if the top browns too fast.
- Serve garnished with cilantro, green onions, avocado, or salsa for added freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (one 9x13" dish)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 356 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 356kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.004g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 69mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 955mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 557mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 437IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 336mg | 34% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.