Description
This 4-Ingredient Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick family dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, gooey cheddar cheese, and soft flour tortillas, this casserole offers the delicious taste of quesadillas in an easy-to-bake form. Topped with optional fresh garnishes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and ingredients.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish (about 8-inch or 9-inch square pan) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Filling: 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). Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
- Layer Tortillas: Place 2 of the flour tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, tearing them if necessary to cover the base completely. Overlapping the tortillas is fine to ensure full coverage.
- Add First Chicken Layer and Salsa: Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla base, spreading it evenly. Drizzle with ¼ cup of the remaining salsa to add extra moisture and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process by adding another 2 torn tortillas on top, followed by the remaining chicken mixture, then drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup of salsa.
- Top and Cover: Finish the casserole by placing the last 2 tortillas on top. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Garnish with optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, olives, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or lime wedges to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This recipe requires only four main ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
- Using cooked rotisserie chicken or leftovers helps reduce prep time for a quick dinner option.
- Feel free to customize the salsa type or cheese blend according to your taste preferences.
- The optional garnishes add freshness and variety but can be omitted for simplicity.
- Ensure the tortillas overlap slightly to create a sturdy base and layers.
- Covering the dish during the initial baking time prevents drying out and ensures even cooking.
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
