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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheating: Configure the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
- 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.
- Foundation Layer: Spread a thin sauce base across the dish’s bottom, then strategically arrange tortilla pieces to ensure complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- Initial Baking: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to integrate harmoniously.
- 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.
- Resting Period: After removing from the oven, let the casserole settle for 5-10 minutes to enhance structural integrity and facilitate clean serving.
- 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