Zesty Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe You’ll Adore

Tucking into a comforting chicken tortilla spinach casserole always feels like a warm embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

Layers of melted cheese nestle between soft tortillas and vibrant green spinach.

Hearty proteins blend seamlessly with creamy textures that dance across your palate.

Southwest flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite, promising satisfaction in every forkful.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet soul-satisfying, and this recipe delivers deliciousness without complicated techniques.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make this dish irresistible for hungry crowds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new go-to comfort meal.

Why Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Feeds the Soul

• Packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, this dish pleases picky eaters and satisfies hungry crowds with its crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Customize with your favorite salsa, swap chicken for beans, or add extra spices to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Layer ingredients quickly without complicated techniques, creating a hearty meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Tips for a Delicious Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Optimize Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is precisely preheated to 375F for even cooking and perfect cheese melting.
• Layer Strategically: Tear tortillas to create a complete coverage layer, preventing dry spots and ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and salsa verde to match your heat preference, making the casserole mild or spicy according to taste.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Swap regular spinach with nutrient-dense kale or Swiss chard for added vitamins and interesting texture variations.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Cut desired portion, place on microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly and steaming.

What to Serve with Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Bright citrus and tequila perfectly complement the casserole's spicy verde sauce, cutting through richness and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Fresh, tangy coleslaw with lime and cilantro provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, creamy casserole, balancing textures and temperatures.
• Light, fruity water-based drink like watermelon or pineapple agua fresca offers a hydrating and sweet counterpoint to the savory, spiced chicken dish.
• Fruity Spanish wine blend with hints of orange and apple adds complexity, matches the casserole's Mexican-inspired ingredients, and provides a festive drinking experience.

Creative Variations on Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

Gluten-Free Fiesta: Replace wheat tortillas with corn tortillas and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-friendly version.

Low-Carb Power Bowl: Swap tortillas with cauliflower rice and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content.

Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.

Dairy-Free Wellness: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and replace sour cream with coconut cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs About Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• What makes this casserole unique in flavor?

The combination of salsa verde, cream of chicken soup, and spices like cumin and chili powder creates a rich, tangy Mexican-inspired taste that sets this dish apart from traditional chicken casseroles.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy weeknights or advanced meal planning.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a delicious vegetarian version of the casserole.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduce the cheese quantity, and add more spinach or other vegetables to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Everything You Need to Make Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

• Chicken: Tender and shredded protein that adds hearty flavor to the casserole, best when cooked and pulled apart.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor for the sauce.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creates a rich, creamy base for the casserole, smooth and comforting.
• Salsa Verde: Adds tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce, choose a medium heat level for balanced taste.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, sharp notes to the dish, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend work well.

• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that provides warm, aromatic, and balanced seasoning to the casserole.

• Tortillas: Provides structure and texture, corn or flour tortillas can be used, soft tortillas recommended.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and green color, fresh or frozen spinach works great.

• Cilantro, Tomatoes, Jalapenos: Fresh toppings that add color, brightness, and extra flavor to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Salsa verde
• Chicken broth
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

• Shredded chicken
• Fresh spinach
• Cheese

Drizzle more sauce over each layer. Continue building layers until you’ve used all ingredients. Top the final layer with remaining sauce and cheese.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve With Style

Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for extra pizzazz.

Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken tortilla spinach casserole brings comfort and zest to dinner tables with layers of cheesy, creamy goodness. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around one delicious, welcoming dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken, shredded

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (473 ml) Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 1 cup (237 ml) sour cream

Tortillas and Vegetables:

• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
• 4 cups (946 ml) fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 ½ cups (355 ml) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (237 ml) salsa verde (green salsa)
• ½ cup (118 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light protective layer to prevent sticking.
2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa verde, chicken broth, and a harmonious blend of cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Build the casserole foundation by spreading a thin sauce layer across the baking dish, then strategically arrange tortilla pieces to completely cover the bottom surface.
4. Construct flavor-packed layers by alternating tortillas, tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach leaves, and generous cheese sprinklings. Pour sauce between each layer to ensure moisture and cohesion.
5. Continue layering methodically, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and finishing with a crowning layer of sauce and remaining cheese to create a golden, appetizing surface.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, baking for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
7. Remove the foil covering and return to the oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, slightly crisp topping for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, which helps stabilize the layers and intensify the flavors.
9. Optional: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro, vibrant diced tomatoes, or spicy sliced jalapenos to add color and additional taste dimensions.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade white sauce to reduce sodium and control ingredients precisely.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Maximize spinach’s nutrition by using fresh leaves instead of frozen, chopping them finely for better texture and even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Consider adding alternative protein sources like black beans or quinoa for vegetarian versions, maintaining the dish’s hearty and satisfying profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg