If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is for you! This dish layers tender shredded chicken, creamy salsa verde sauce, fresh spinach, and gooey melted cheese between soft tortillas to create a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight meal or someone who loves Tex-Mex flavors, this casserole is a fantastic option!
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa verde (green salsa)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Foil (for baking)
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa verde, chicken broth, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place two tortillas over the sauce (tear them if necessary to fit).
- Add a layer of shredded chicken, spinach, and 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Spoon some sauce over the layer.
- Repeat the layers (tortillas, chicken, spinach, cheese, and sauce) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and the remaining cheese on top.
4. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Recipe Variations:
- Make it Spicier – Add chopped jalapeños to the sauce or use a spicier salsa verde.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free – Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Dairy-Free – Substitute dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and cream of chicken soup.
Shortcuts & Time-Savers:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- Pre-Shredded Cheese – Cuts down on prep time.
- Frozen Spinach – Thaw and drain it well to skip the chopping step.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1–2 minutes.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Side Dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried or black beans
- Fresh avocado slices or guacamole
- Drink Pairings:
- Classic margaritas
- Refreshing agua fresca
- A cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute the salsa verde?
Absolutely! You can use red salsa or enchilada sauce instead.
How do I make it lower in carbs?
Use low-carb tortillas or omit the tortillas and turn it into a layered chicken and spinach bake.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions.
This Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Tex-Mex flavors at home. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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