The Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe You Need

A hearty chicken tortilla spinach casserole that promises comfort and zest in every single bite.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with vibrant spinach and crisp tortillas, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Textures merge beautifully in this delightful dish, blending creamy and crunchy elements into one spectacular experience.

Perfectly seasoned and packed with nutritious ingredients, this casserole transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

South American flavors dance across your palate, promising a satisfying and memorable meal.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that sparks conversation and fills hungry bellies with joy.

How To Store Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Oven: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese for extra flavor.

Great Pairings For Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Boost Southwestern Vibes: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico, which cuts through the creamy richness and complements the salsa verde's tangy flavor.
• Refresh with Zesty Sangria: Prepare a white wine sangria with citrus fruits like orange and lime, adding a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the casserole's warm, spicy notes.
• Cool Down with Creamy Sides: Serve alongside a simple cilantro-lime sour cream or a cool avocado crema to balance the dish's heat and provide a smooth, creamy contrast.
• Add Green Freshness: Create a light mixed green salad with a lime vinaigrette to introduce a crisp, acidic element that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich casserole.

Creative Variations Of Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Vegetarian Verde: Swap chicken with black beans or roasted sweet potatoes. Add extra bell peppers and corn for hearty texture and vibrant flavor.
• Mediterranean Mix: Replace salsa verde with tzatziki sauce. Use feta cheese instead of regular cheese. Include chopped kalamata olives and artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair.
• Southwestern Spice: Incorporate chorizo sausage for bold flavor. Add roasted green chiles and swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas. Sprinkle extra cumin and smoked paprika for deeper warmth.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix ground turkey with shredded chicken. Include quinoa between layers for added protein. Top with Greek yogurt and fresh green onions for creamy contrast.

Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole FAQs Explained

• What makes this casserole different from traditional Mexican dishes?

This casserole combines Tex-Mex flavors with a healthy twist by incorporating spinach, which adds nutrition and a unique green element to the classic tortilla casserole.

• Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach works great. Just make sure to wilt it slightly before adding to the casserole to reduce excess moisture and prevent a watery dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole reheats beautifully and can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-packed?

For extra protein, you can add black beans, use rotisserie chicken, or even mix in some cooked quinoa alongside the shredded chicken to boost the nutritional value.

Why Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Is A Cheesy Hit

• Unpack Flavor Fusion: Combine zesty salsa verde, creamy soup, and bold spices that create a mouthwatering southwestern-style chicken casserole bursting with exciting taste layers.
• Effortless Layering Magic: Build delicious one-dish meal with simple stacking technique that requires zero complicated cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick family meals.
• Nutritious Comfort Meal: Pack protein-rich chicken and nutrient-dense spinach into a single comforting casserole that delivers balanced nutrition without sacrificing incredible flavor profiles.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt recipe by switching protein, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

What Goes Into Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the main substance of the casserole, best when cooked and easily pulled apart.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind the casserole together.
• Cheese: Melty topping that provides a golden, delicious finish to the dish.

• Salsa Verde: Adds tangy Mexican-style flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth sauce and enhances overall moisture.

• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Warm spices that provide depth and traditional Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance other flavors.

• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a fresh green element to the casserole.

• Tortillas: Creates layered structure and adds a traditional Mexican element to the dish, corn or flour work well.

• Cilantro, Tomatoes, Jalapenos: Fresh toppings that add color, freshness, and optional heat to the final dish.

How To Cook Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Salsa verde
• Chicken broth
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and creamy like a dream.

Step 3: Build Your Delicious Layers

• Spread a thin sauce blanket on the bottom of the baking dish
• Layer tortillas to cover the entire base, cutting them to fit if needed
• Add a generous helping of
• Shredded chicken
• Fresh spinach
• Sprinkle of cheese
• Drizzle some sauce over the layer
• Repeat these layers until you've used all your ingredients
• Finish with a final sauce coating and a cheese crown on top

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Cover the dish with foil
• Slide into the oven and bake for 25 minutes
• Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes
• Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden landscape

Step 5: Rest and Decorate

• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking
• Optional fancy touches
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro
• Scatter diced tomatoes
• Add sliced jalapeños for extra kick

Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips For Creamy Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add extra spices like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the casserole's taste profile and create deeper layers of deliciousness.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for a versatile protein alternative that suits different dietary preferences.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat spinach dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and consistent layering.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delectable meal when baked.
• Lighten Up the Dish: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-fat cream of chicken soup to reduce calories without compromising on creamy goodness.

Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken tortilla spinach casserole brings hearty comfort straight from southwestern kitchens. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, wilted spinach, and crisp tortillas create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (708 milliliters) cooked chicken, shredded

Tortillas and Greens:

• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

Sauces and Dairy:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa verde (green salsa)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa verde, chicken broth, and a medley of spices including cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Create a flavor foundation by spreading a thin sauce layer across the bottom of the prepared dish, then strategically arrange tortilla pieces to form a complete base coverage.
4. Build savory layers by alternating tortillas, tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach leaves, and generous cheese sprinklings. Pour sauce between each layer to ensure moisture and depth of flavor.
5. Continue layering methodically, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and concluding with a final sauce coating and cheese crown that promises a golden, bubbling surface.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25 minutes, developing rich, melded flavors.
7. Uncover the dish, return to the oven, and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a molten, slightly crisp topping with enticing golden edges.
8. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps structural integrity when serving.
9. Optional: Enhance the presentation with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or spicy sliced jalapenos to add color and additional flavor dimensions.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting salsa verde and chili powder to match your spice preference.
• Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce cheese and use low-fat dairy options for a lighter, healthier casserole.
• Maximize flavor by using rotisserie chicken or seasoning freshly cooked chicken with additional Mexican-inspired spices.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg