This delicious dish is also called layered chicken enchiladas, enchilada casserole, or Mexican lasagna. My recipe has layers of tortillas, corn, chicken, tomatoes, some spiciness and a creamy sauce to bind it all. It's great for using leftover chicken and can be made ahead and frozen.
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My first taste of Mexican cuisine
Going through my grandmother's recipe notebooks, I found a casserole dish made by Chelo, her very Mexican friend, that I ate for the first time decades ago, and still remember how much I liked it!
Her friend visited once a year, brought her corn tortillas in the suitcase and invited us for dinner every time. She made a mean pastel Azteca and left the recipe to my grandmother.
I only tasted hers and I don't know how traditionally accurate it is.
But it's good people, and easy and great to have frozen. Think of it as a different lasagna.
What is Pastel Azteca?
It is a Mexican dish that consists of layered tortillas, cheese, corn, and some type of tomato sauce.
It's all bound by a creamy mixture which varies depending on the recipe but is always delicious. There are many recipes for this dish; I'm sharing mine.
- Easy to make: it comes together quickly, especially if using leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Make ahead: you can keep it frozen (baked or unbaked) for a month or more or in the fridge for several days, well covered, always with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Reheat at a 350°F/180°C oven until bubbly.
- Versatile: you can add layers of other ingredients, like beans, or spicy it up with your favorite chile. More on variations further down this post.
Ingredient list
Quantities are listed on the recipe card towards the end of this post. The Ingredients page has more details and lists the brands we use.
- Chicken: this is an excellent recipe for using leftover grilled or roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken. But any cooked chicken works. I like a mix of white and dark meat (chicken breasts and thighs), but choose your favorite.
- Tortillas: I'm partial to corn tortillas for their unique flavor, but flour tortillas also work.
- Cheese: many recipes call for Oaxaca cheese, which can be bought online but is not easily available. When I can't find it, I substitute it for mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, or Swiss cheese.
- Cream: any type works fine (whipping, heavy or double).
- Milk: it's used to make the binding cream more fluid. Any type works.
- Mayonnaise is a controversial ingredient, but it's in the original recipe I was given, so I'm sticking with it.
- Tomatoes: any type works. I highly recommend seeding them, which is easy to do.
- Corn: fresh or frozen corn kernels work fine as long as it's cooked. If you have leftover grilled or roasted corn, it's also great to use here.
- Onion: yellow or white. Green onions can also work if that's all you have.
- Salt.
- Chile: I use jalapeños (or jalapenos) if I can find them. But any type that you like in your Mexican food works. Use canned ones, adobo, or ground chile if you can't find them fresh.
- Flavorings: freshly ground black pepper and some dried chile, such as ground ancho or jalapeño.
Variations & substitutions
- Tortillas: you can use corn or flour tortillas, but the latter has much more flavor, in my opinion, a unique one. But both work.
- Tomato layer: use a can of Mexican salsa, the one you would use for enchiladas.
- Salsa verde (green sauce): if you're a fan of this Mexican salsa made with tomatillos, it also works well and adds spiciness. So make sure you don't overdo it with the rest of the spices.
- Beans or peas: I used to add a layer of peas or black beans, and I still do sometimes. If you want to add one or both, substitute by subtracting an equal amount of corn.
- Spices and herbs: you can easily change the flavor by adding an herb or different spices, especially ground chiles like ancho, jalapeño, serrano chile or cayenne pepper.
How to make this Mexican casserole
- Charr the tortillas lightly; it will give them character and flavor, especially if using flour tortillas. I use a little olive oil. Alternatively, you can fry them until crisp.
- Cook corn, jalapeño and onion until softened and a little browned.
- Create a container by placing a layer of tortillas in the bottom of a baking dish and up the sides.
- Start layering in the order given, or however you prefer.
- Add all ingredients except the cheese. I add them in this order: tomatoes, chicken, corn mixture, and binding cream making sure you cover the edges.
- Top with the grated cheese. You can use one layer of tortillas or two, dividing the rest of the ingredients. I usually use just the bottom one because it's easier to assemble.
Baking it
There's not much science here except having the oven preheated.
When is this Mexican chicken casserole done? Follow the time given in the recipe but check that the top doesn't brown too much. Remove it when it's a nice golden brown and the cream is set.
The binding mixture has no eggs, so it won't set completely. It will still have some jiggling. But it should not be runny.
You might have to lift the cheese layer here and there with a fork to check.
Kitchen Notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, utensils and equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Baking time: consider that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as possible, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer (like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend keeping track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust.
- Chicken: if you have leftover grilled or baked chicken or rotisserie chicken, it's a great recipe to use them.
- Tortillas: You can use flour or corn tortillas, though I highly recommend the latter as they have such a unique flavor. The original recipe used fried tortillas, but I usually heat and char them to make them lighter. You can also drizzle them lightly with olive oil and bake them in the oven; be careful not to burn them.
- Vegetables: I like frozen corn as it is available year-round. Chopped tomatoes because I like the freshness they add. But use leftover grilled corn and a can of salsa; they will make putting together this dish much easier.
- Binding cream: it is essential to bring the whole pastel Azteca together. Adapt if you feel the amount of cream mixture is not enough or you want more. And yes, it uses mayonnaise and it is amazing.
- Reheating: this casserole reheats like a charm and freezes well too. Wrap it well, always. I use plastic wrap and then foil.
- Serving it: it's excellent with a dollop of Mexican cream (crema Mexicana) or sour cream, and avocado slices. A green salad also works.
Related recipes you might like:
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Mexican Tortilla Casserole (Pastel Azteca)
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This casserole could also be called layered enchiladas, enchilada casserole, or Mexican lasagna-something along those lines. My recipe has layers of tortillas, corn, chicken, tomatoes, some spiciness and a creamy sauce to bind it all. It's great for using leftover chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked corn or frozen, thawed
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 or 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño
- 6 large corn or flour tortillas, I use homemade corn tortillas
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes, seeded (about 2 medium)
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken)
For the binding mixture:
- 1 cup cream, heavy or heavy whipping
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- chili powder or cayenne pepper, to taste
For a lighter binding mixture option:
- 1 cup Greek or natural yogurt
- ½ cup cream
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- chili powder or cayenne pepper, to taste
To assemble:
- ½ cup grated Mozzarella cheese , or Oaxaca cheese
- ½ cup grated Monterrey Jack or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180°C).
- Oil or butter a glass or ceramic dish, about 8x11 inches.
- Cook 2 cups cooked corn or frozen with ¼ cup chopped onion and 1 or 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño in a skillet with a little oil over medium/high heat until softened and slightly browned.
- Heat 6 large corn or flour tortillas in an oiled skillet at medium heat until slightly charred, about 10-15 seconds per side. just until they lose their softness and begin to crisp. Alternatively, you can fry them in hot oil until crisp but not too brown. Or in a medium 350°F (180°C) oven.
- Combine the binding cream ingredients: 1 cup cream, ¼ cup milk, ½ cup mayonnaise, salt and freshly ground pepper and chili powder or cayenne pepper in a medium bowl or jar; no need to beat them, simply integrate. It doesn't matter if it's not super smooth.
Assembling this dish:
- Cover the prepared dish with the tortillas creating a sort of container. Start with the sides and then move to the middle. If using crisp or baked tortillas they will most probably brake a little as you try to cover the dish. That is fine.
- Scatter 2 cups chopped tomatoes and the 2 ½ cups cooked chicken on top of the tortillas.
- Add the mix of corn and onion, spreading to cover the chicken.
- Drizzle the binding cream on top, making sure you cover the edges.
- Top with the grated cheese. Alternative: you can make two layers of each ingredient, lasagna style. Simply divide in half and layer as instructed above.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the cream is quite set. It will still be jiggly as it doesn't contain eggs. If needed, bake a little longer.
- Serve it with a dollop of crema or sour cream and avocado slices. Or a green salad on the side.
Notes
Chicken: if you have leftover grilled or baked chicken or rotisserie chicken, it's a great recipe to use them.
Tortillas: you can use flour or corn tortillas, though I highly recommend the latter as they have such a unique flavor. I usually heat them as instructed in the original recipe below, but you can also drizzle them with olive oil and bake them lightly in the oven.
Vegetables: I like frozen corn as it is available year-round. Chopped tomatoes because I like the freshness they add. But use leftover grilled corn and a can of salsa (the one you would use for enchiladas), they will make putting together this dish much easier.
Binding cream: it is essential of course to bring the whole pastel Azteca together. Adapt if you feel the amount of cream mixture is not enough or you want more. And yes, it uses mayonnaise and it is amazing.
Reheating: this casserole reheats like a charm, and freezes well too. Wrap it well, always. I use plastic wrap and then foil.
Beans or peas: I used to always add a layer of peas or black beans and I still do sometimes. If you want to add one or both of them, substitute by subtracting an equal amount of corn.
Spices and herbs: you can easily change the flavor by adding an herb or different spices, especially ground chiles like ancho, jalapeño, or cayenne pepper.
Did you try this recipe?Let me know in the comments below!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Paula,
You are not alone. I am the same way with buying food. . it's crazy. . I think I do it out of habit. . go to the store every week and buy the same "staples". . and I get back and discover I already had a bag of that or 1/2 a bag of that in my freezer. . it's horrible. I don't let Paul go grocery shopping with me anymore because he always says something to me 😛
But hey, look what all your food hoarding made! This looks delicious! and I see that you also put those tortillas to good use too, eh?! 🙂
going to look into the Food Revolution Day now. . I LOVE Jamie Oliver!!
Malli Das says
Paula,
This is my first time on your blog and all you recipes are very interesting. I am a 'food' hoarder myself ---this is such a great recipe!!
Cocoa and Lavender says
Paula - one again we are on the same page for our posts. My next post is a Mexican "lasagne" which is very similar (in some ways) to his pastel Azteca. The fillings are quite different but the base of corn tortillas is the same. Where we live, we get both corn and flour tortillas, as wheat was a staple in our region. But you would never use the flour tortillas for this! I want to try your version... Thé mayonnaise intrigues me. Oh, and let's not discuss obsessive food buying... I think you are not alone in this foodie blogosphere! ~ David
thelittleloaf says
I'm the complete opposite - I think the only things in my freezer at the moment are ice cream and cookie dough, ha! This looks like a lovely way to use up leftovers - sadly we never seem to have them as my boyfriend hoovers up any food in sight!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
Haha! I hope no one ever has to give birth to 18 year old triplets. That would be TERRIFYING!
Deb says
Alas, I share your habit of overbuying food and then trying to master proper labeling and storage. I suppose we all just have our "habits". But some of the best meals seem to appear from odds and ends! The Pastel Azteca is a perfect weeknight dinner! I am always looking for dinners to make ahead for those busy afternoons!
Rhu Sam says
Nunca había oido hablar del pastel azteca! Es perfecto para hacer limpieza de nevera aunque lo mejor es recordar las historias que hay detrás, tu abuela, su amiga, tus recuerdos...
Guru Uru says
I would love to try this with all those spices - and it looks flexible to accommodate a lot of ingredients too 😀
Cheers
CCU
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
I definitely have a food hoard as well. I think it just comes with the territory of loving to cook and/or food blogging. I do try to have those "clean out the fridge" meals every once in awhile - casseroles are great, and pasta dishes too. Just throw everything in and see what happens 🙂
Susan Lester says
Looks great, Paula! What an elegant way to clean out the freezer!
Cathleen says
OMG, this looks so good! And that parenting link - speechless.
Karen Kerr says
That looks delicious. I have the same issue. For me it's baking ingredients. I need to tell myself that if I need it, I can buy it. I don't have to have it "just in case." Of course, there is something fun about deciding to make something and already having all of the ingredients in the house. Winning!
Diana @GourmetDrizzles says
This looks and sounds amazing, Paula! I'm working on getting a non-profit started that brings casseroles to the needy... and wow, this is perfect to add to the lineup! Can't wait to try it, and what a lovely story behind it all! 😉
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Mmmm....I love Pastel Azteca - your version has my tummy rumbling this morning!
Angie Schneider says
The casserole looks so comforting and tasty. I wish I lived closer so I could stop by for the dinner!
Renee says
Yesterday I went to put a bag of ice in my freezer downstairs and realized I didn't have room for it. Glad I'm not the only one with an overage of food in the freezer (and no kids to eat it either).
Your casserole is just the type of Mexican casserole I like. Full of veggies and not laden with salt and typical red type sauce. Very nice!
Dipti Joshi says
Wholesome meal idea!
Shulie Foodwanderings says
Hi Paula, I rarely make casseroles. Truth to be told I probably need to make a version of your kitchen sink Pastel Azteca. I am a hoarder too though with losing electricity once in a while, for days, all the content of my fridge and freezer go to waste. I've been using some caution in recent years but now I am going to have my 20 year old back for the summer and boy the amounts of food consumed here will quadruple. 🙂
Medeja says
Yeah 🙂 that happens to me too 🙂 when I realize that I have a lot of food that should be consumed 😀
This is such a lovely spicy bake 🙂
The Ninja Baker says
Yum! My Dad who spent his youth in New Mexico (and who I'm visiting after the F & W Conferenced in Orlando) will LOVE this Pastel Azteca. Of course, I will too! And may very well make it soon given the frozen peas and corn I have in my freezer =)
Love the warm history behind this recipe, too, Paula. Food always tastes better when there are lovely memories stirred in.