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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Continue layering methodically, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and concluding with a final sauce coating and cheese crown that promises a golden, bubbling surface.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25 minutes, developing rich, melded flavors.
- Uncover the dish, return to the oven, and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a molten, slightly crisp topping with enticing golden edges.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps structural integrity when serving.
- 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