Name: Easy Chicken Enchilada Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1 inch cubes); salt and pepper to taste; 15 ounces red enchilada sauce; 1 cup sour cream; 10.5 ounces cream of chicken; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 10.25 ounce bag of Fritos chips; 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1/2 head of lettuce (chopped, for topping); 1 roma tomato (chopped, for topping)

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Bake is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic meal using Fritos instead of tortillas. A delicious meal made in just 30 minutes.

A layered chicken enchilada casserole is a favorite family dinner that is so comforting and cozy! Cheese, chicken, and enchilada sauce baked with Fritos is a fun twist on chicken enchiladas.

A serving of chicken enchilada bake on a plate with a fork.

My sister, Nicole, would always make me this every time we had a baby shower. It’s her twist on classic chicken enchiladas, where instead of using the traditional flour or corn tortillas, she uses Frito chips. This makes it super easy to assemble! It’s such a quick and delicious recipe.

With back-to-school, dance classes, & sporting events taking up this upcoming month, I needed a few meals I could make, bake, and serve in less than 30 minutes. So here is an easy classic dish with a twist, making it easy for a mom to feed the family on busy nights.

Recipe Notes

This is an easy enchilada bake! I like to make it with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but I’ve also skipped that cooking step and made it with shredded rotisserie chicken. It makes it even easier!
Please choose your favorite enchilada sauce at the store, or try my favorite homemade red enchilada sauce. Works great both ways.
I use cheddar cheese and a Mexican cheese blend, so every bite has lots of warm melted cheese. It’s serious comfort food!
Of course, we have the Fritos! I love them in this casserole – they add a salty corn tortilla flavor. Some of the chips soften, and others stay crunchy, so the casserole has a great texture.

Overall, this is a winner for my whole family. The kids love the creamy cheese and chicken filling! They also love the Fritos and always ask for a few on the side, so they have a few crunchy ones for dipping into the layers.

Closeup shot of a large spoon scooping some of the enchilada bake.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and black pepper
Red enchilada sauce
Sour cream
Cream of chicken soup
Cumin
Chili powder
Fritos corn chips
Shredded Mexican blend cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese

How do you make Chicken Enchilada Bake?

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the sides are golden brown and the chicken is thoroughly cooked about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

the chicken enchilada filling being mixed in a bowl.

In a medium bowl mix together enchilada sauce, sour cream, cream of chicken, cumin, chili powder, 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, and chicken. Stir together until well combined.

In a 1-quart casserole dish, spread the corn chips in an even layer.

Add the chicken mixture on top of the chips, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken enchilada casserole is warm and bubbly, and the cheese is melted on top.

overhead photo of a baked chicken enchilada casserole.

Topping Ideas

The casserole is delicious, but like traditional enchiladas, we love adding some toppings! Here are a few we love – mix and match your favorites!

Chopped lettuce like iceberg or romaine lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Diced avocado or a scoop of guacamole
A dollop of sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
A squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Overhead shot of a serving of casserole on a black plate with a fork.

Recipe Tips

You can adapt this recipe and use flour or corn tortillas instead of corn chips. Tear or slice the tortillas to fit the pan and then layer them like lasagna with the creamy chicken filling.

Running short on time? Skip cooking the chicken and use a store-bought rotisserie instead. Shred or chop the meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients.

You can assemble the bake and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

We love the leftovers! Store leftover chicken enchilada bakes in the refrigerator for three to four days. Warm it up in the microwave for easy meals.

Other enchilada-inspired recipes

Skillet Enchilada Bake
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Easy Steak Enchilada Bake
Steak and Queso Enchilada Casserole
Cran-Turkey Enchiladas

close up shot of the top of the casserole.

Thanks to my sister, Nicole, for this easy chicken enchilada bake – my life just got more manageable, and now, so did yours. Make this cozy 30-minute dinner for your family; I know they will love it as much as mine. Enjoy! XOXO San