Description
This 4-Ingredient Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a quick and easy dinner option that combines shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and flour tortillas into a delicious baked casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe yields a flavorful meal with minimal ingredients and effort, topped with optional fresh garnishes for added zest and texture.
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 with Salsa and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the diced or shredded cooked chicken with half of the salsa (½ cup) and half of the grated cheese (½ cup). Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Layer Tortillas and Chicken Mixture: Place 2 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, tearing them as needed to cover the bottom surface fully with some overlapping allowed.
- Add Chicken Mixture Layer: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Drizzle ¼ cup of the remaining salsa over this layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering by adding 2 more tortillas on top, then the remaining chicken mixture, followed by another ¼ cup of salsa.
- Top with Remaining Tortillas: Finish the layers by placing the remaining 2 tortillas on top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm with any optional garnishes such as fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, olives, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This casserole is simple, requiring only four main ingredients, making it very easy to prepare.
- Using leftover or rotisserie chicken speeds up the cooking process and adds convenience.
- Feel free to customize the salsa type based on your preferred spice level or flavor—taco or enchilada sauce works great too.
- Optional garnishes add freshness and extra layers of flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- The casserole can be made ahead and reheated, making it great for meal prep or busy nights.
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
