Easy and Delicious Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe

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Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? This Chicken Tortilla Casserole is the answer! It’s a delightful combination of chicken tortilla soup and enchiladas, bringing together the best of both worlds. Imagine layers of sauce-soaked tortillas, similar to enchiladas but without the hassle of stuffing and rolling. This casserole is packed with shredded chicken, melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, hearty beans, and flavorful taco seasoning, creating a truly unique and delicious dish.

This easy Chicken Tortilla Casserole recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a warm and comforting meal on the table in no time. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and cheesy explosion that will leave everyone craving more!

Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken Tortilla Casserole

What makes this Chicken Tortilla Casserole so irresistible? It’s all about the carefully selected ingredients that combine to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: This is the star of the show! You can use a rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken in the Instant Pot, on the stove, or in the oven. Make sure it’s shredded for easy incorporation into the casserole. Consider using about 3 cups of shredded chicken for the perfect protein balance.
• Corn Tortillas: Don’t underestimate the power of corn tortillas in this dish! They provide the perfect texture and flavor base for the casserole. If you’re typically not a fan of corn tortillas, trust us on this one – they work wonders here. Using about 10 tortillas should be perfect for layering.
• Canned Corn, Canned Black Beans, and Chicken Broth: These pantry staples are essential for adding texture and flavor to the casserole. Canned corn and black beans are a lifesaver for quick and easy meals. Make sure to drain and rinse the black beans before adding them. The chicken broth helps to keep the casserole moist and flavorful. A 15 oz can each of corn and black beans, paired with about ½ cup of chicken broth, will deliver the ideal balance.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: This ingredient is a flavor bomb! Rotel adds a spicy kick and a burst of tomato flavor to the casserole. It’s a convenient way to add depth and complexity to the dish. We recommend using a 10 oz can for the perfect amount of heat and flavor.
• Mexican-Style Cheese: Cheese is a must-have for any good casserole! Mexican-style cheese adds a melty, gooey, and flavorful element to the dish. If you’re looking to make this dairy-free, you can easily leave out the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. Use about 2 cups of shredded cheese, reserving some for topping the casserole.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, and Pepper: These seasonings are essential for adding that classic taco flavor to the casserole. Adjust the amount of each seasoning to your liking. Consider using 2 teaspoons of chili powder and cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper for a well-balanced flavor.
• Toppings: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings! Sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado are all great options. Get creative and add your favorite taco toppings.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this easy and delicious Chicken Tortilla Casserole! This dish is incredibly simple to assemble, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s basically a dump-and-go casserole, so all you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake. This is a great recipe to get the kids involved in – they can help with measuring and mixing!

Here’s a detailed guide to help you create this delicious casserole:

1. Prepare the Tortillas: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, start by cutting the corn tortillas into small, 2-inch-sized cubes. You can use a knife or kitchen shears for this step. Cutting the tortillas into smaller pieces ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole and soak up all the delicious flavors.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients except for 1 cup of the cheese. This includes the shredded cooked chicken, cubed corn tortillas, canned corn, canned black beans, chicken broth, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, and the taco seasoning. Stir everything well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce and seasonings. Using a large bowl makes it easier to combine all the ingredients.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust.
4. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This helps to heat the casserole through and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Chicken Tortilla Casserole!

The aroma of this casserole baking in the oven is simply irresistible. The combination of the chicken, tortillas, cheese, and spices creates a symphony of flavors that will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort. This Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite!

Explore More Mexican Casserole Recipes

If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired cuisine, you’re in for a treat! There are countless variations and creative twists you can explore. If you enjoyed this Chicken Tortilla Casserole, I have a few more delicious Mexican casserole recipes on my blog that you might like.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Southwest Mac and Cheese Casserole: A fun and flavorful twist on classic macaroni and cheese with a Southwest Mexican flair.
• Mexican Crescent Casserole: A flaky and savory casserole made with crescent roll dough and a delicious Mexican-inspired filling.
• Five Ingredient Mexican Casserole: A super simple and quick casserole with just five key ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.

These casseroles offer a variety of flavors and textures, from creamy and cheesy to savory and spicy. They’re all easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a satisfying family meal. So, be sure to check them out and discover your new favorite Mexican casserole!