Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite!

Creamy, cheesy comfort awaits in this delectable chicken tortilla spinach casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Layers of tender chicken dance with vibrant spinach and melted cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of spices and textures that make this dish truly irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive meal.

Each bite delivers a burst of southwestern-inspired goodness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Packed with protein and greens, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch it become an instant family favorite.

Ways To Dish Out Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Elevate your Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole with these mouthwatering serving suggestions!
• Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a quick Mexican-inspired salad with mixed greens, diced avocado, corn, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to complement the casserole's rich flavors.
• Creamy Cool Down: Serve with a dollop of fresh sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt to balance the dish's warm, spicy undertones and add a refreshing contrast.
• Crunchy Companions: Top with crispy tortilla strips, crushed corn chips, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture and crunch that will make each bite more exciting.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with bright, chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice to bring a burst of freshness and lift the overall flavor profile.

Keep And Reheat Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use sealed glass containers to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This method allows flavors to meld and saves precious time during busy weeknights.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the casserole completely, then wrap securely in freezer-safe packaging. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350F for 20-25 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
• Portion Control Tip: Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before storing. This approach makes reheating easier, reduces waste, and provides quick grab-and-go meals for busy schedules or lunch preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Creamy foundation that adds richness and depth to the casserole's flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy smoothness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Salsa Verde: Introduces vibrant green chile complexity and zesty Mexican-inspired kick.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and deepens overall savory essence of the dish.

• Cumin: Earthy spice that delivers warm, distinctive southwestern undertone.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic punch without overwhelming other flavors.
• Chili Powder: Adds gentle heat and traditional Mexican-style warmth.
• Salt: Balances and elevates all ingredient interactions.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle background heat and complexity.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps creating layered texture and structural base.
• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green nutrition and fresh garden-like element.
• Cheese: Melty binding agent that creates golden, irresistible top layer.
• Cilantro: Optional fresh herb garnish with bright, clean flavor finish.
• Tomatoes: Optional fresh topping adding color and light acidic brightness.
• Jalapenos: Optional spicy garnish for heat lovers seeking extra kick.

Gear List For Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred or grate cheese quickly.
• Foil: Needed to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Cutting Board: Great for chopping cilantro or tomatoes for garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting and preparing toppings.

Steps To Make Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Oven Warmup

Cozy kitchen preparation begins with heating the oven to a toasty 375 degrees. Grab a rectangular baking vessel and give it a light olive oil massage.

• Creamy Flavor Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, dance together cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, zesty salsa verde, and a splash of chicken broth. Sprinkle in warm spices that whisper southwestern secrets – cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Swirl until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

• Layered Culinary Canvas

Start by painting the baking dish bottom with a gossamer sauce layer. Nestle tortillas like cozy blankets, tearing them to fit perfectly. Scatter tender chicken pieces, emerald spinach leaves, and a generous snowfall of cheese. Continue building these delectable layers, finishing with a final sauce drizzle and cheese crown.

• Baking Magic

Wrap the dish in a soft foil embrace, letting it bake for 25 minutes. Then unveil and let the cheese bubble and dance for another 10-15 minutes until golden and irresistible.

• Resting and Garnishing

Allow your masterpiece to rest and settle for a few moments. Optional flourishes of fresh cilantro, bright tomato bits, or spicy jalapeño slices can elevate this comfort creation.

Helpful Tricks For Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious dish.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, shredded beef, or turkey for a different protein experience. Vegetarians can use tofu or additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty alternative.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa verde. For those who love extra kick, add diced green chilies or sprinkle red pepper flakes between layers for a spicier version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and select a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this recipe completely gluten-free. Low-carb eaters can replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini for a lighter option.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Hearty Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken tortilla spinach casserole delights taste buds with layers of Mexican-inspired comfort. Creamy textures and bold spices create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (708 mL) cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups (480 mL) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 4 cups (960 mL) fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 ½ cups (355 mL) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 mL) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 mL) salsa verde
• ½ cup (120 mL) chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• diced tomatoes (optional)
• sliced jalapenos (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Configure the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa verde, chicken broth, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until achieving a smooth, unified blend.
3. Foundation Layer: Spread a thin sauce base across the dish’s bottom, then strategically arrange tortilla pieces to ensure complete coverage.
4. Layering Technique: Methodically construct alternating layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, spinach leaves, and cheese, generously pouring sauce between each stratum to maintain moisture and flavor complexity.
5. Final Assembly: Complete the layering process with a concluding sauce coating and cheese topping, promising a golden, bubbling surface that hints at the delectable interior.
6. Initial Baking: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to integrate harmoniously.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove the foil, return to the oven, and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a molten, slightly crisp topping with enticing golden edges.
8. Resting Period: After removing from the oven, let the casserole settle for 5-10 minutes to enhance structural integrity and facilitate clean serving.
9. Optional Garnish: Elevate the presentation with fresh additions like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or spicy sliced jalapenos to introduce vibrant color and additional flavor dimensions.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Shred chicken while warm to achieve tender, easy-to-distribute pieces that blend seamlessly into the casserole layers.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Manage Moisture Balance: Layer spinach leaves sparingly to prevent excess water release, which could make the casserole soggy and compromise structural integrity.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade version or low-sodium alternative for healthier option; use gluten-free tortillas for celiac-friendly adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg