Chicken tortilla casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish made with layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a creamy sauce with bold Mexican flavors. It’s like a deconstructed enchilada, baked to bubbly perfection and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas, torn into quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack mix)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined and heated through, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the torn tortillas over the sauce. Top with half of the shredded chicken, followed by half of the sauce mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of the remaining tortillas, chicken, sauce, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
This chicken tortilla casserole is cheesy, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for an easy weeknight meal!
