If you love the bold flavors of enchiladas but want something easier to prepare, this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake is exactly what you need. Layers of tender shredded chicken, warm tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melty cheese come together in one simple dish that delivers all the flavors of classic enchiladas without the hassle of rolling each one individually.

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food—savory, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a gathering where you need something crowd-pleasing. Since everything bakes together in one dish, there’s minimal cleanup, making this a weeknight favorite.

Want to make it your own? You can easily swap ingredients, add more spice, or load it up with extra toppings to suit your taste. Let’s get started!

Table of contents

What Makes This Enchilada Bake So Good?

There are plenty of reasons why this dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. Here’s why it works so well:

All the Flavor, Less Effort – No need to roll individual enchiladas. Just layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
Incredibly Cheesy – This recipe doesn’t skimp on the cheese. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully into the dish, creating that irresistible, gooey texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly – You can assemble the bake in advance, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Customizable – Whether you want to add beans, swap out the protein, or make it spicier, there are endless ways to tweak this dish to fit your cravings.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish keeps things simple while packing in tons of flavor. Here are the key ingredients that bring it all together:

Shredded Chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great for this, but you can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
Enchilada Sauce – A rich, flavorful sauce ties everything together. You can use red or green enchilada sauce depending on your preference.
Tortillas – Corn tortillas hold up best in this bake, giving it a slightly chewy, authentic texture. Flour tortillas work too if you prefer them.
Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack makes every bite gooey and flavorful.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake

Prepare the Chicken – If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper before baking or boiling and then shred.
Layer the Ingredients – Start with a little enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of tortillas, followed by shredded chicken, more sauce, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Bake to Perfection – Cover with foil and bake until everything is hot and bubbling. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for a few extra minutes to let the cheese get golden and melty.
Serve and Enjoy – Let the dish cool slightly before slicing. Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor.

Fun Ways to Switch It Up

Want to add your own twist? Here are some easy ways to customize this enchilada bake:

Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the layers for an extra punch.
Protein Swap – Try ground beef, shredded pork, or even black beans for a meatless version.
Creamy Addition – Mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese with the enchilada sauce to create a creamier filling.
Extra Veggies – Bell peppers, onions, or corn can be layered in for more texture and flavor.

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Why This Enchilada Bake Stands Out

This dish delivers everything you love about enchiladas in a fuss-free way. Here’s what makes it such a winner:

Less Mess, More Flavor – Instead of rolling enchiladas, this bake keeps things simple by layering all the ingredients in one dish.
Leftovers Taste Even Better – The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Great for Meal Prep – You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for an easy meal later.

What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake

This dish is filling on its own, but a few tasty sides can round out the meal even more. Try pairing it with:

Cilantro Lime Rice – A fresh, citrusy side that complements the richness of the enchilada bake.
Mexican Street Corn Salad – A tangy, creamy side with cotija cheese and lime juice.
Black Beans – A simple, hearty addition that pairs perfectly with the flavors in the dish.
Fresh Guacamole – Cool, creamy avocado balances the bold spices in the bake.

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Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake

This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish layered with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s an easy dinner that delivers bold flavors in every bite.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Servings servings

Equipment

Baking Dish For layering and baking the enchilada bake
Mixing Bowl For combining the shredded chicken and sauce
Saucepan For warming the enchilada sauce if needed

Ingredients

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups enchilada sauce red or green
8 corn tortillas cut into halves or strips
2 cups shredded cheese Mexican blend or cheddar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
sour cream for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Stir until evenly coated.
Layer half of the tortillas at the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with sour cream.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Let the enchilada bake sit for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner servings.

Keyword cheesy enchilada casserole, chicken enchilada bake, easy enchilada recipe

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!