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Creamy BBQ Chicken Enchilada Bake: A Flavorful, Cheesy Twist


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Description

You will crave this easy creamy BBQ chicken enchilada bake! It’s the perfect fusion of smoky BBQ and classic enchilada flavors, all baked into one irresistible, cheesy dinner.

 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy BBQ Chicken Filling:

  • 4 cups (about 1.5 lbs / 680g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is perfect)

  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) smoky BBQ sauce, divided

  • 1 (8 oz / 225g) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature

  • ½ cup (120ml) ranch dressing

  • 1 (4 oz / 113g) can of diced green chiles, drained

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Layer Ingredients:

  • 810 medium (soft taco-size) flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)

  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed

  • 1 medium red onion, half finely diced (for filling), half thinly sliced (for topping)

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

For the Cheese Layers:

  • 3 cups (12 oz / 340g) freshly shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese

  • 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For Baking & Garnish:

  • Cooking spray or 1 tbsp melted butter for tortillas

  • ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth or water

  • For the Topping & Garnish:

    • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided

    • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

    • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)

    • 1 avocado, diced

    • Mexican crema or sour cream, for drizzling

    • 1 lime, cut into wedges


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with this mixture (this adds flavor and prevents drying). Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Luxurious Creamy BBQ Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing together until smooth and completely combined. Stir in 1 cup of the BBQ sauce, the drained green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Fold in the shredded chicken, diced red onion (half), and diced red bell pepper until the chicken is evenly and thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Spread about ¾ cup of the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This initial layer acts as “glue” and prevents the bottom tortillas from sticking. Place a single layer of tortillas over the sauce, tearing them as needed to fit and completely cover the surface. You should use about 3-4 tortillas per layer.

Step 4: Build the Heart of the Bake
Over the tortilla layer, spread half of the remaining creamy chicken mixture. Sprinkle evenly with half of the drained black beans and half of the corn. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of the Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Place another layer of tortillas over the cheese. Spread the remaining creamy chicken mixture over the tortillas. Top with the remaining black beans and corn. Sprinkle with another 1 ½ cups of Monterey Jack and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Add the Final Tortilla Layer and Moisture
Place a final layer of tortillas on top. Pour the ½ cup of chicken broth or water evenly over the entire surface. This is crucial—it steams the top tortillas during baking, ensuring they become tender and not dry or tough. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce in artistic lines over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbling, Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese on top is completely melted, and the edges are bubbling vigorously. For a more golden top, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This rest is critical for the layers to set, allowing you to cut clean squares. Garnish lavishly with sliced red onion, jalapeño (if using), avocado, green onions, and the remaining chopped cilantro. Drizzle with Mexican crema and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each portion.

 

Notes

  • 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Hand mixer or sturdy spatula

  • Pastry brush (for tortillas)

  • Cheese grater

  • Aluminum foil

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 1500mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 42g