Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that’s about to become a weeknight staple in your home! Imagine layers of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, melted cheese, and soft tortillas baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just a casserole; it’s a fiesta of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Casseroles, in general, have a long and comforting history, often associated with resourceful home cooking and family gatherings. They represent a way to stretch ingredients and create a hearty, nourishing meal. While the exact origins of the Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole are a bit more modern, it draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Mexican cuisine, blending familiar flavors into a convenient and crowd-pleasing format.

What makes this particular casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The creamy, cheesy filling complements the savory chicken and earthy spinach, while the tortillas provide a soft and comforting base. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a dish to impress at your next potluck, this Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. The ease of preparation and the delicious outcome make it a winner in my book, and I’m confident it will be in yours too!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tortilla Base:
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• For the Spinach Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cheese Topping:
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is our spice rub!
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken using two forks. Set aside.

Preparing the Tortilla Base:

1. While the chicken is baking, let’s prepare the tortillas. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush both sides of each corn tortilla with olive oil. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
3. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortillas are slightly crispy but still pliable. We don’t want them to be too hard, as they need to be able to be layered in the casserole.
5. Remove the tortillas from the oven and set aside.

Making the Spinach Filling:

1. Now, let’s make the delicious spinach filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. You might need to add the spinach in batches, as it can take up a lot of space initially.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
6. Pour the soup mixture into the skillet with the spinach and onions. Stir to combine.
7. Add the chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Time to put everything together! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of the spinach filling on the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Arrange 4 of the crispy tortillas over the spinach filling, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
4. Spread half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas.
5. Spread half of the remaining spinach filling over the chicken.
6. Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack cheese and half of the cheddar cheese over the spinach filling.
7. Repeat layers: Arrange the remaining 4 tortillas over the cheese.
8. Spread the remaining chicken over the tortillas.
9. Spread the remaining spinach filling over the chicken.
10. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese over the spinach filling.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
4. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
5. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to cut.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot.
2. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped green onions.
3. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! From the creamy, cheesy layers to the satisfying crunch of the tortillas and the healthy boost of spinach, every bite is a delightful experience. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!), and it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend gathering.

What makes this casserole a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy ingredients. We’re talking about a dish that satisfies your cravings while sneaking in a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Looking for serving suggestions? A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy coolness that complements the richness of the casserole. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color. And for a little extra heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is always a welcome addition.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! There are so many ways to customize this recipe to make it your own.

Variations to Explore:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
* Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the chicken for black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian-friendly version. You could even add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
* Cheese Lover’s Dream: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious additions.
* Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free tortillas to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
* Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or even some chopped tomatoes.

This Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen and create a dish that your whole family will love. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I have a feeling it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the fact that it’s relatively easy to make is a huge bonus.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family thought. Leave a comment below and let me know! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole adventures!

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