Easy Chicken and Tortilla Casserole Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

A chicken casserole represents the ultimate comfort food, blending robust flavors and satisfying textures into one harmonious meal.

Home cooks appreciate its remarkable versatility and ability to enhance simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Hearty and nourishing, this classic dish bridges culinary traditions with its rich, savory profile.

Layers of carefully selected components create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Multiple ingredients meld together, producing a cohesive and deeply satisfying dining experience.

Families consistently gravitate toward this unpretentious yet delectable preparation for its warmth and convenience.

Prepare to elevate your dinner routine with a meal that promises deliciousness and comfort.

How to Make a Comforting Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables and Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onions, cooking for 5 minutes until they soften and become slightly golden. Mix in chicken and additional ingredients, stirring thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 2: Create Tortilla Base

Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Carefully tear tortillas into pieces and spread one-third of the tortilla pieces across the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Casserole

Spread the sautéed chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla layer. Top with remaining tortilla pieces. Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and slightly crispy on top. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Getting the Best Flavor in Chicken Casserole

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp bell peppers and firm onions for maximum flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Perfect Tortilla Layering: Tear tortillas into similar-sized pieces to ensure even coverage and consistent baking throughout the dish.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Lightly toast tortillas before layering to create a barrier that helps maintain a crisp base and prevents excess moisture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese evenly during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, perfectly melted topping.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced flavor melding.

Storing and Enjoying Leftover Chicken Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time. Frozen casseroles preserve best when they haven't been previously reheated.
• Reheating: Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Sides to Serve with Chicken Casserole

• Refresh with Zesty Margarita: The citrusy and slightly salty margarita complements the rich, savory chicken casserole by cutting through its creamy texture and providing a bright, refreshing contrast.
• Cool Down with Crisp Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty casserole, adding freshness and creating a well-rounded meal that doesn't feel too heavy.
• Pair with Southwest-Inspired Cerveza: A light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo brings out the casserole's southwestern flavors, its subtle hoppy notes enhancing the dish's spices and providing a smooth, clean finish.
• Elevate with Smooth Chardonnay: An unoaked chardonnay offers a subtle buttery profile that matches the casserole's creamy elements without overwhelming the dish's delicate spice and chicken flavors.

Creative Takes on Chicken Casserole

• Southwest Spice Blast: Amp up the flavor by adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick that transforms the classic casserole into a spicy sensation.
• Veggie Power Boost: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and extra bell peppers to create a hearty vegetarian version that's packed with nutrients and colorful textures.
• Cheesy Tex-Mex Remix: Incorporate a blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, topped with crispy tortilla strips for an extra crunchy and melty cheese experience that elevates the entire dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap traditional ingredients with feta cheese, olives, and a touch of oregano to give the casserole a Greek-inspired profile that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to the table.

Chicken Casserole: A Hearty and Filling Meal

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this delicious chicken casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Loaded with sautéed bell peppers and onions, this casserole delivers a rich, hearty taste that'll warm your soul and leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Protein-Powered Meal Solution: Packed with a hefty 28g of protein, this dish provides a nutritious and filling option that keeps you energized and satisfied throughout the evening.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole adapts easily and serves six hungry people with its delightful layers of tortillas and chicken.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the casserole, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Bell Pepper, Onion: Aromatic vegetables that add flavor and texture to the chicken mixture, fresh and crisp varieties work best.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas create layers and help bind the casserole, torn into pieces for even distribution.

• Other Ingredients (not specified in instructions): Likely includes cheese, salsa, spices, or cream-based sauce to enhance flavor and moisture of the casserole.

Chicken and Tortilla Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken Casserole promises comfort wrapped in golden, creamy layers of savory goodness. Familiar ingredients meld into a classic dinner that welcomes you home with warmth and satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Bread Base:

• 12 corn tortillas, torn into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounces / 280 grams) can diced tomato and green chiles (such as Rotel)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 pinches garlic powder
• 2 pinches ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gently sauté diced bell peppers and chopped onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Add shredded or cubed cooked chicken to the vegetable mixture, incorporating all ingredients thoroughly and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
3. Prepare a 13 x 9 inches (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
4. Create the first layer by carefully arranging torn tortilla pieces across the bottom of the greased baking dish, covering approximately one-third of the surface area.
5. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, ensuring complete coverage and consistent distribution.
6. Continue layering with remaining tortilla pieces and additional ingredients as desired, creating a structured and compact casserole.
7. Place the assembled casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges become golden brown and the center appears hot and bubbling.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute stress.
• Ensure tortillas are fresh and not stale for the best texture and flavor in the casserole.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite spices or swapping chicken for ground turkey or beef.
• Use a sharp knife to quickly chop vegetables and minimize preparation time.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg