Cozy Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this cheesy chicken tortilla spinach casserole recipe that delivers pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand easy, hearty meals that keep everyone happy and full.

Layer upon layer of melted cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach create a mouthwatering dish that sings with flavor.

The combination of tortillas, proteins, and greens makes this casserole a complete meal in one baking dish.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Fresh ingredients and minimal prep time mean you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch it disappear from the table in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Tortillas: Soft carriers that create delectable layers and structure for the casserole, select fresh corn or flour tortillas without cracks.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binding agent that provides rich depth and smooth consistency, choose low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture, use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or shred freshly cooked chicken breasts.
• Spinach: Nutritious green that introduces earthy flavor and vibrant color, select fresh baby spinach for tender texture and maximum nutrients.

• Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that creates richness and balances spices, opt for full-fat version for better creaminess.
• Salsa Verde: Zesty sauce that introduces bright Mexican-inspired notes, choose mild or spicy based on heat preference.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid component that helps blend ingredients, select low-sodium option for controlled seasoning.

• Cumin: Warm spice that provides authentic southwestern depth, use ground cumin for consistent flavor distribution.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that intensifies savory profile, select pure garlic powder without additives.
• Chili Powder: Smoky spice that adds gentle heat, choose quality blend for balanced flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty component that creates golden, crispy surface, blend multiple cheese types for complex taste.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright finishing touch, chop finely for even distribution.
• Tomatoes: Juicy garnish that adds fresh contrast, dice ripe Roma.

Must-Have Tools for Tortilla Casserole Success

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and baking the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing spoon or whisk: Great for stirring sauce until well blended.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for chopping cilantro, tomatoes, or jalapenos for garnish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping garnish ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Flavorful Spinach Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 375F and coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together creamy soup, tangy sour cream, zesty salsa verde, and spices in a large bowl until silky smooth.

• Layer Your Delicious Masterpiece

Spread a thin sauce layer on the baking dish bottom. Arrange tortillas to cover completely. Add shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and cheese in alternating layers. Pour sauce between each layer, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

• Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes to set. Top with fresh cilantro, juicy tomatoes, or spicy jalapeños for an extra kick.

Options to Spice Up This Chicken Tortilla Casserole

• Culinary Magic Tricks: Elevate Your Tortilla Spinach Casserole
• Meal Prep Master: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when ready to bake, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time for chilled ingredients.
• Protein Power Play: Swap chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for a delightful protein variation that keeps the flavor profile exciting.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cheese to make this recipe completely lactose-friendly.
• Spice Spectrum: Adjust heat levels by choosing mild or hot salsa verde, and add extra chili powder or diced green chilies for adventurous taste buds who love a kick.
• Veggie Volume: Experiment with additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to boost nutritional value and create a more complex flavor landscape.

Serving Ideas for Your Spinach Chicken Bake

• Zesty Fiesta Finish: Top each serving with fresh pico de gallo and a dollop of cool sour cream for a burst of vibrant flavors that complement the casserole's warmth.
• Mexican Restaurant-Style Side: Serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans to create a complete meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
• Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh spinach or arugula on top for added nutrition and a crisp, peppery contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Cool Cream Drizzle: Add a zigzag of crema or Greek yogurt across the top to balance the spicy notes and provide a creamy, tangy finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.

How to Store Tortilla Casserole and Reheat With Ease

• Fridge Storage Solutions: Transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, enabling safe freezing up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness and prevent forgotten meals.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain the casserole's delicious moisture and texture.
• Portion Control Trick: Slice the casserole into single-serving sections before storing. This method simplifies quick meals, reduces waste, and makes grab-and-go lunches or dinners super convenient for busy weekdays.

Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken tortilla spinach casserole brings hearty comfort to dinner tables. Classic ingredients combine in a delicious one-dish meal packed with protein and rich southwestern flavors you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) shredded chicken
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
• 2 cups (473 ml) Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 4 cups (946 ml) fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 ½ cups (355 ml) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup (237 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (237 ml) salsa verde (green salsa)
• ½ cup (118 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. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent ingredient adhesion.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa verde, chicken broth, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth, unified sauce that will bind the casserole’s components.
3. Base Assembly: Spread a thin sauce layer across the baking dish, then carefully arrange tortilla pieces to completely cover the bottom, creating a robust foundation for the layers.
4. Layering Technique: Methodically construct flavor-dense strata by alternating tortillas, shredded chicken, spinach leaves, and cheese, ensuring each layer receives a saturating sauce pour to maintain moisture and structural integrity.
5. Final Composition: Complete the layering process with a crowning cheese and sauce layer, which will transform into a golden, appetizing surface during baking.
6. Baking Process: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing ingredients to heat thoroughly and flavors to harmonize.
7. Cheese Activation: Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling the cheese to bubble and develop a slightly crisp, enticing texture.
8. Resting Period: After removing from oven, let the casserole settle for 5-10 minutes, which helps stabilize layers and intensify flavor profiles.
9. Garnish Options: Optionally embellish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapenos to introduce visual appeal and complementary taste dimensions.

Notes

• Adjust Chicken Consistency: Shred chicken uniformly for even texture and ensure meat is fully cooked and tender before layering to prevent dryness and maintain moisture throughout the casserole.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Modify sauce viscosity by adjusting chicken broth quantity – less broth creates thicker layers, more broth produces a softer, more blended casserole consistency.
• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend to introduce different flavor profiles and enhance melting characteristics for more dynamic taste.
• Dietary Adaptations: Replace regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives, swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade version, and use low-fat dairy products to accommodate specific nutritional requirements without compromising overall dish integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg