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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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