Chicago Carlton Saga: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I decided to start with a branch of Carltons who dwell in the great city of Chicago. They will be known as part of the Chicago Carlton Saga.

The best thing about this recipe : This is a ton of food, and it’s not really that expensive, either. It’s highly recommended if you wanted to bring something over for a friend after surgery, or a new mom, or a party/potluck. I actually like this casserole more than actual chicken enchiladas.

Ingredients
Recipe here:
2-3 Chicken breasts
16 oz refried beans
16 oz enchilada sauce
12 flour tortillas
16 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1 Onion finely chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 clove garlic
½ tsp salt
(sour cream, guacamole and Spanish rice for garnish/sides)

Preparation
Preheat over at 325.

Cut chicken breasts into strips and heat frying pan at medium high with salt, oregano, garlic and onions with a little olive oil. Place finished product in a bowl. Pour enchilada sauce in the sauce pan and heat. In the meantime, heat the beans in another (preferably smaller) sauce pan.

You will be using a 13x9 dish (probably the biggest one you have). Cut tortillas to fit into the pan. Ladle enchilada sauce into the pan, and dip the strips into sauce and place on top of the thin layer of sauce.



Then pour all of the beans into pan.



Dip the next layer of dipped tortilla strips into the pan.



Add the meat mixture, and spread evenly, followed by the last layer of dipped tortillas.



Pour remaining sauce (it will be a lot) and top generously with cheese.






Use aluminum foil when baking, so the cheese doesn’t burn. Bake for 40 minutes. Turn off the oven; remove the layer of foil and let sit in there for 5 minutes so the cheese sets a little.



Enjoy!

Vegetarian Option
I think this may even be better without the meat. I really like the refried beans a lot, and they are very hearty and full of fiber and protein. I would maybe cook the onion and dice 3 bell peppers in place of the chicken to create more texture in the dish.

Back Story:
This recipe belongs to the eldest cousin of the Carlton clan. She has the best stories! She is adventurous, beautiful and incredibly smart. My favorite memory of her actually took place at a funeral. As time went on, one friend, after another, after another filtered into the room, showing how extroverted and loved she was. My cousin would drive to various Big Ten schools, just to meet up with MORE people in college. She is the person you want to invite to any event, anytime, anywhere, any party. It’s kind of fitting that she would send me a recipe that is practical, hearty and could feed thousands. Pair with margaritas, if you dare.