The Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is a Tex-Mex lover’s dream, bringing together tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty enchilada sauce layered between soft corn tortillas and melted cheese. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a comforting dish for a crowd, this casserole delivers. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s the perfect balance of convenience and mouthwatering taste. Serve it with a fresh salad, extra sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce—whatever suits your cravings!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
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1 cup frozen corn, thawed
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
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8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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1/4 cup sour cream (for topping, optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread a layer of tortilla quarters on the bottom of the dish.
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Spoon 1/3 of the chicken and bean mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese.
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Repeat layers twice more: tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Modern Twist on a Mexican Classic
The Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is a comfort food masterpiece rooted in the bold, vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. Enchiladas, which date back to the Aztec era, have long been a staple in Mexican kitchens. This dish pays homage to those traditional rolled tortillas while offering a more family-friendly, time-saving version: the casserole. Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, ingredients are layered—similar to a lasagna—making it easier to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
The casserole format also allows for a delightful blend of textures, from gooey melted cheese and tender shredded chicken to hearty black beans and chewy corn tortillas. It captures everything you love about enchiladas, but with less effort and more versatility.
Why Chicken and Black Beans Are a Power Combo
Chicken is one of the most popular lean proteins, and for good reason—it’s versatile, mild-flavored, and cooks quickly. In this recipe, shredded chicken soaks up the enchilada sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Black beans, on the other hand, bring an earthy depth to the dish and are loaded with plant-based protein and fiber. This combination of chicken and black beans not only makes the casserole filling but also keeps it nutritious. It’s an ideal balance for those looking to enjoy comfort food without sacrificing health goals.
Together, these two ingredients create a satisfying and well-rounded dish that delivers both taste and sustenance.
Easy to Make, Hard to Mess Up
One of the biggest advantages of the Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is its simplicity. Even if you’re new to cooking or don’t consider yourself a culinary expert, you can still pull off this dish with ease. The prep involves basic chopping and layering—no fancy techniques required.
Many ingredients, like canned black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and pre-cooked chicken (hello, rotisserie!), are pantry and fridge staples. That means fewer grocery runs and more time to enjoy with your family or guests.
You can also prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Customizable to Fit Your Diet or Taste
This dish is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Prefer a spicier kick? Add jalapeños or swap in hot enchilada sauce. Want it creamier? Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese into the filling. Going vegetarian? Leave out the chicken and double up on beans, corn, and even sautéed zucchini or bell peppers.
You can also swap corn tortillas with flour tortillas if that’s your preference, or go gluten-free by sticking with certified gluten-free corn tortillas. Even the cheese blend can be adjusted—try pepper jack for more spice or a reduced-fat cheese to lighten things up.
Because of this flexibility, this casserole fits many lifestyles, whether you’re low-carb, gluten-conscious, or feeding picky eaters.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
The Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. As the flavors sit and meld together, each bite becomes more savory and satisfying. It holds up well in the fridge for up to four days and can be frozen for longer storage.
This makes it perfect for meal prep. Bake a tray on Sunday and portion it out for lunches or dinners during the week. Just reheat in the microwave or oven, and you’re good to go. It also freezes beautifully—simply cover tightly with foil and store in a freezer-safe container.
If you’re looking for a reliable, batch-cooking recipe to simplify your week, this is it.
Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly
Even the pickiest eaters tend to love this dish. The cheesy, tomatoey goodness appeals to kids, and the soft layers make it easy to chew and enjoy. You can sneak in some extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or shredded carrots, and most kids won’t even notice.
Serve it with a side of rice, a scoop of guacamole, or even a simple green salad for a balanced, nourishing family meal. It’s a great way to get your kids familiar with bold flavors in a gentle, comforting way.
Great for Gatherings and Potlucks
Need a dish to bring to a family reunion, casual get-together, or holiday party? The Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that travels well and serves generously. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tray that feeds six to eight people.
It’s the kind of dish people go back for seconds and ask for the recipe afterward. Add a side of tortilla chips and salsa, and you’ve got an instant party spread.
Nutrition Benefits Without Compromising Flavor
Don’t let the comfort food label fool you—this casserole is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. Black beans offer fiber, magnesium, and iron. Corn adds B vitamins and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. Chicken provides lean protein and essential amino acids.
By controlling your ingredients (choosing low-sodium canned goods, using homemade or organic enchilada sauce, and limiting the cheese if needed), you can make this dish as healthy or indulgent as you like.
For those tracking calories or macros, each serving delivers a satisfying balance of carbs, protein, and fat, keeping you full and energized.
How to Serve and Pair It
While this casserole is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to dress it up and create a full dining experience. Consider topping it with fresh avocado slices, chopped green onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
It pairs wonderfully with:
- A side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Crisp romaine salad with a creamy cilantro dressing
- Grilled street corn (elote)
- Tortilla chips and fresh salsa or guacamole
Don’t forget a refreshing drink like limeade, agua fresca, or even a cold cerveza to round out the meal.
Conclusion
The Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole hits the sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome, flavorful and easy. It’s a dish you can keep coming back to, changing slightly based on what you have in the fridge or who you’re cooking for.
It’s affordable, uses accessible ingredients, and is universally loved. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student looking for comfort food, or someone hosting a dinner party, this recipe has your back.
Most importantly—it’s absolutely delicious.