Easy Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Quick, Healthy & Delicious

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor, you’ve found the perfect recipe. Our Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a unique twist on the classic enchilada, blending Mediterranean ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes with tender chicken. This dish is easy to make, hearty, and perfect for any weeknight dinner or even a dinner party. Packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Not only is this casserole a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, but it’s also a healthy option, thanks to its balanced ingredients and lightened-up approach. Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan or simply want to try something new, this Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole will be a hit!

What is this recipe?

The Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a creative and flavorful fusion of two classic cuisines—Mediterranean and Mexican. Traditional enchiladas are given a Mediterranean makeover by incorporating ingredients such as grilled chicken, olives, feta cheese, and spinach, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. The casserole is topped with melted cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and indulgent.

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Essential Ingredients

To make this Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (preferably grilled or roasted)
• 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup of black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 12 corn tortillas (cut into halves or quarters)
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of diced red onion
• 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil for greasing the casserole dish

Alternative Ingredients

While this casserole is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to make it your own with some alternative ingredients:

• Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer a different protein, try using turkey, lean ground beef, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Substitutes: For a lower-fat option, you can swap mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella, or if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try a plant-based cheese.
• Vegetables: Swap out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale, arugula, or swiss chard. You can also add in roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Sauce Variations: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add some chili flakes or incorporate a bit of chipotle sauce to the tomato mixture for heat.

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• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 1 casserole dish

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Key Features

• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken, vegetables, and healthy fats from olives and feta cheese, this casserole provides plenty of nutritional benefits while still being indulgent.
• Flavor Fusion: Combining Mediterranean ingredients with the classic Mexican casserole gives you a delicious blend of flavors that are both familiar and exciting.
• Easy to Make: This dish is simple to prepare, and once it’s assembled, it bakes in the oven with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy evenings.

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Nutrition Facts

Nutrition	Per Serving (1/6 of casserole)
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	4g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sodium	620mg
Sugars	6g

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Directions (Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole)

Making Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a straightforward process, and once everything is prepped, the baking part is relatively easy. Here’s your detailed guide to making the perfect casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C) Before you begin assembling your casserole, it’s crucial to preheat the oven. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown top. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let the oven fully heat up while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Grease Your Casserole Dish Greasing the casserole dish is a simple yet essential step to prevent the casserole from sticking. Use a light coating of olive oil to grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. You can use a paper towel or a pastry brush to spread the oil evenly across the surface. This will also help ensure that the melted cheese doesn’t stick to the dish and makes for easier cleanup later.
3. Prepare the Chicken For the chicken, you’ll want to use cooked, shredded chicken. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, there are a couple of ways you can cook it quickly:
   • Grilled Chicken: Grilling the chicken breasts adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean ingredients. Simply season the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, then grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
   • Roast Chicken: If you prefer to roast, season your chicken with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. Then, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
   • Rotisserie Chicken: For the quickest option, rotisserie chicken from the store works perfectly! Just shred it up and it’s ready to go.
   The shredded chicken will serve as the base of your casserole and provide that hearty, protein-packed element to the dish.
4. Prepare the Vegetables
   • Chop the Onion: Take your red onion and slice it finely. The onion will add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole. Since it’s going to bake, slicing it thinly ensures that it softens nicely during cooking.
   • Chop the Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a burst of color and nutrients. Roughly chop the spinach so that it’s small enough to incorporate evenly throughout the casserole. If you’re using pre-washed spinach, simply give it a quick chop.
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce Mixture Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together by making the tomato sauce mixture:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the sun-dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy burst of flavor that’s a key component of Mediterranean cooking.
   • Stir in the dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. The cumin adds a warm, earthy spice that works beautifully with the other Mediterranean ingredients, while the garlic powder gives a savory depth to the sauce.
   • Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—this sauce should be aromatic and slightly tangy from the tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Assemble the Casserole Here’s where the fun begins! You’ll layer the casserole much like you would with a traditional enchilada dish, but with a Mediterranean twist.
   • First Layer – Tortillas: Start by laying down a layer of corn tortillas in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. To fit, you may need to cut the tortillas in halves or quarters, depending on their size. This creates a sturdy base for the other ingredients and adds structure to the casserole.
   • Second Layer – Chicken and Vegetables: Spread a layer of shredded chicken on top of the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of the chopped spinach and red onion. The vegetables add freshness, and the chicken will be the main protein in the dish. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed so each bite has balanced flavors.
   • Third Layer – Sauce and Cheese: Pour about a third of the prepared tomato sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Be sure to cover everything evenly. Then, sprinkle a layer of crumbled feta cheese and shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce. The feta adds a tangy, creamy richness, and the mozzarella will melt beautifully in the oven, giving the casserole that irresistible cheesy pull.
   • Repeat the Layers: Continue layering in the same order—corn tortillas, chicken and vegetables, tomato sauce, and cheese—until all the ingredients are used up. For the top layer, finish with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella to give it a golden, cheesy crust when baked.
7. Bake the Casserole Once all the layers are assembled, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during baking. Slide the dish into a hot oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes until everything is beautifully heated through. This will allow the casserole to heat through and let the flavors meld together. After baking for 20 minutes, take off the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top turns beautifully golden and starts to bubble. You’ll want the cheese to melt completely, and the edges of the casserole to turn slightly crispy.
8. Let the Casserole Rest After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice and serve without losing all of its structure. The cheese will firm up a little, and the layers will settle, making for perfect slices.
9. Serve and Enjoy After resting, cut the casserole into squares and serve. You can garnish the top with extra crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor. Serve with a side of fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or pita bread for a complete meal.

Additional Tips:

• Layering: Be sure not to overcrowd the layers. You want enough space between each layer of chicken, cheese, and veggies so that the casserole doesn’t become too heavy or soggy.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is great for melting, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you like a little more heat, feel free to add chili flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce over the casserole before serving. A bit of cayenne pepper in the sauce will also add a nice kick.

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Pro Tips for a Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Making the Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole is simple, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you take it to the next level. Here are some pro tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients The key to making a truly flavorful Mediterranean casserole lies in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh spinach, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality feta cheese will elevate the taste and texture of your dish. When selecting your chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Grilling or roasting the chicken will bring out a deeper flavor than just boiling it.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Layers Layering is a crucial part of this dish. While it might be tempting to pile everything in, be sure not to overcrowd the casserole. Too many layers can lead to a soggy casserole. A thin, even layer of each ingredient ensures that the flavors meld properly without becoming a watery mess.
3. Sauté the Onions Before Baking To add more depth of flavor to your casserole, sauté the red onions before layering them in. Sautéing caramelizes the onions and brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the tangy feta and the acidity of the tomatoes. This small step makes a big difference in the overall taste.
4. Let the Casserole Rest After Baking Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. Letting it rest helps the layers firm up, making it much easier to slice cleanly into neat squares. It also ensures the casserole holds together better and doesn’t become a messy pile of ingredients.
5. Add Extra Mediterranean Toppings For a more authentic Mediterranean touch, consider garnishing your casserole with extra ingredients after baking. Brighten up your dish with a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor by adding herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. Kalamata olives or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can also enhance the flavors and texture.
6. Make Ahead and Store for Later If you want to save time, feel free to prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This also allows the flavors to develop further, making it even tastier when baked.

By following these tips, your Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole will be perfectly cooked with layers of flavor and a deliciously satisfying texture. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You’ll enjoy the juicy, tender chicken, the briny olives, and the creamy feta cheese, all combined in a comforting casserole. The tomatoes and spices give it just the right amount of tang, while the mozzarella adds a gooey, cheesy finish that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean food or a lover of Mexican flavors, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. It’s easy to prepare, and the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

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What Makes this Recipe Unique?

What sets this Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole apart is the fusion of Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes with the familiar Mexican comfort of enchiladas. By combining the boldness of both cuisines, this dish brings something exciting and unexpected to the table. Plus, the layers of cheese and tender chicken create a rich, indulgent experience without being overly heavy or greasy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a side of crispy pita bread for a Mediterranean flair.

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You’ll Also Love

If you love this Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole, you might also enjoy:

• Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Skewers: Perfect for grilling season.
• Greek Chicken Salad: A light and refreshing meal full of Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Chicken Shawarma Wraps: A flavorful handheld option.

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Conclusion

Our Mediterranean Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the perfect dish for any night of the week when you want something easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and a great way to try a new twist on classic Mexican comfort food. With its Mediterranean ingredients, this casserole brings a refreshing change to your dinner rotation. Try it tonight, and you’ll see why this dish is destined to become a family favorite!

Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this Mediterranean twist!