Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Recipe

When I made this Sour Cream Chicken Casserole, the kitchen smelled warm and savory.
The sauce turned creamy and rich, coating the tender chicken and soft noodles just right.
I remember serving it on a rainy evening—it felt like comfort in a dish.

This casserole is simple, cozy, and full of flavor.
The sour cream adds a creamy tang that makes every bite smooth and satisfying.

Let’s bake it together—you’ll love how easy and heartwarming it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love this creamy, cheesy casserole.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry items you likely already have.
• Budget-Friendly: Stretch your grocery dollars with this affordable meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake when ready.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Creamy sauce and melted cheese make every bite delicious.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people generously. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Need to feed more? Double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Difficulty: Easy. Perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for mixing
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

This creamy casserole comes together with simple ingredients that create big flavor. The tangy sour cream balances the mild green chiles, while the cheese adds richness and melts into golden perfection. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 and 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
• 8-10 small flour tortillas
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Variations for Sour Cream Chicken Casserole

• Add Black Beans: Stir in one can of drained black beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce for more heat.
• Try Different Cheese: Swap Monterey Jack for cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Make It Creamy: Add 4 oz softened cream cheese to the sour cream mixture.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

How to Make Sour Cream Chicken Casserole Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Make the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, green enchilada sauce, diced green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth.

3. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sour cream mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Take each flour tortilla and spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken filling down the center. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas, fitting them snugly in the dish.

5. Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Sour Cream Chicken Casserole:

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides:

• With Rice: Serve over cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice.
• With Salad: Add a crisp green salad or Caesar salad on the side.
• With Beans: Pair with refried beans or black beans.
• With Chips: Serve tortilla chips and guacamole as appetizers.
• With Veggies: Add roasted vegetables or grilled corn for a complete meal.

Decoration Ideas:

• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro
• Add a dollop of sour cream on each serving
• Sprinkle with sliced green onions
• Serve with lime wedges on the side
• Top with diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

Storing Sour Cream Chicken Casserol

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Freezer Storage: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if needed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Even Thickness: Use chicken breasts of similar size or pound them to even thickness before cooking for uniform texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the casserole carefully during the final uncovered baking to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
• Warm Tortillas: Slightly warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Drain Green Chiles: Make sure to drain the canned green chiles well to avoid a watery casserole.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes creamier.
• Season the Chicken: If cooking chicken from scratch, season it well with salt and pepper before shredding.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Sour Cream Chicken Casserole FAQs

Conclusion

This Sour Cream Chicken Casserole brings together everything you love about Mexican-inspired comfort food in one easy dish. The creamy sauce hugs tender chicken while melted cheese creates that irresistible golden top we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy Tuesday or bringing a dish to share with friends, this casserole delivers every time.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can prep it ahead when life gets hectic, adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste, and easily double it for a crowd. Plus, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you’re never far from a satisfying homemade meal.

Give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation. Your family will ask for it again and again.