Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my chicken tortilla spinach casserole! It’s packed with flavor and super easy to whip up, which is why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it—my friends couldn’t get enough! The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and zesty salsa layered between crispy tortilla strips is just heavenly. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole always impresses. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on your regular rotation. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
How to Prepare Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden cheese on top. You don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, drained and rinsed black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, and chili powder. Wow, the colors are so vibrant! Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. You want that flavor to spread through every bite, so don’t be shy about getting in there with a spatula or a big spoon.
Step 3: Layer the Tortillas
Now it’s time to build your masterpiece! Grab a greased baking dish and layer half of the tortilla strips on the bottom. Make sure to cover the surface well—this is the foundation of your casserole, after all. I like to overlap them a bit for extra crunch!
Step 4: Add Chicken Mixture and Cheese
Next, scoop half of that delicious chicken mixture over the tortilla layer. Spread it out evenly so every bite has that yummy filling. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Oh, it already looks so good!
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Time to do it all over again! Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortilla strips, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture, and top it off with the remaining cheese. This double layer is where the magic happens—trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the whole kitchen smells like heaven. I always check for a nice golden color on the cheese—such a satisfying sight!
Tips for Success
Want to take your chicken tortilla spinach casserole to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices. If you love a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. For a milder version, just stick with the cumin and chili powder.
Another great tip is to use fresh herbs! Chopped cilantro or parsley added right before serving can really brighten up the flavors. And speaking of freshness, if you have leftover veggies in the fridge, toss them in! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes can add a lovely twist to the casserole.
If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, consider substituting the tortillas with whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different texture and flavor. And for a dairy-free option, you can swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it altogether—your casserole will still be delicious!
Lastly, I always make a double batch of this casserole and freeze one for a rainy day. Just assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my chicken tortilla spinach casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This casserole is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it fits into a variety of dietary needs. Enjoying a hearty dish doesn’t have to come with guilt, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with healthy ingredients like chicken, spinach, and beans.
- Delicious layers of flavors that everyone in the family will love.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or spices!
- One-dish wonder means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
- Freezer-friendly, making it great for meal prep or unexpected guests.
- Gluten-free, so it accommodates various dietary preferences.
- Satisfying and hearty, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.
FAQ Section
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Just shred it up and mix it in!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken tortilla spinach casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly in the fridge and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have black beans?
No problem! You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or even chickpeas. They’ll still add that lovely protein and texture to the dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the chicken and increase the amount of beans and veggies. You can use extra spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What toppings do you recommend?
I love serving this casserole with a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado on top. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch too! You could even sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your chicken tortilla spinach casserole is all baked and bubbling, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal truly special! I always recommend a side of sour cream—it adds a lovely creaminess that balances the flavors perfectly. You could also serve it with some sliced avocado for that extra richness and a pop of freshness.
If you want to keep things light, a fresh salad is a fantastic option! Think crisp mixed greens with a zesty lime vinaigrette to complement the casserole’s hearty flavors. You might even toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
Another fun idea is to serve some cornbread or Mexican rice on the side. Both pair beautifully with the flavors of the casserole and make for a comforting meal. And don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top before serving—it adds such a vibrant touch! Whatever you choose, these sides will elevate your casserole experience and leave everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
Print
Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole: 7 Heavenly Layers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious chicken tortilla spinach casserole packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, spinach, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, and chili powder.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips.
- Add half of the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or avocado if desired.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, tortilla, spinach, casserole
