Description
A simple and flavorful 4-Ingredient Chicken Quesadilla Casserole that layers tender cooked chicken, salsa, cheese, and flour tortillas baked to cheesy perfection. This quick and easy casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a delicious Tex-Mex meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or leftovers)
- 1 cup salsa, divided (or substitute with taco sauce or enchilada sauce)
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 6 flour tortillas
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced olives
- Sliced tomatoes
- Diced avocado
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish (8-inch or 9-inch square) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken, Salsa, and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with half of the salsa (½ cup) and half of the grated cheese (½ cup). Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer the Tortillas: Place 2 of the flour tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, tearing them if necessary to cover the entire base. Overlapping pieces are fine.
- Add First Layer of Chicken Mixture: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Drizzle with ¼ cup of the remaining salsa to add moisture and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Place another 2 tortillas over the chicken layer, then spread the remaining chicken mixture on top. Drizzle with the remaining salsa. Finish by placing the last 2 tortillas on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the layers to meld and flavors to develop.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into squares and garnish with your choice of optional toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, olives, diced avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- This casserole is incredibly easy to make with only 4 main ingredients yet packs a flavorful punch perfect for busy weeknights.
- You can substitute the salsa for taco sauce or enchilada sauce depending on your flavor preference.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Customize the toppings according to what you have on hand or your family’s favorites.
- For a spicier dish, use a spicy salsa variety or add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 994 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
