Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole: A Delicious and Hearty Family Favorite

This Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and the savory warmth of spices in a cheesy, comforting casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a regular in your cooking rotation. With its easy-to-follow instructions, delicious ingredients, and customizable options, it’s a must-try recipe for your next meal.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

9-12 corn tortillas

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sliced avocado (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures that your casserole will be easy to remove once it’s done baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until it is just wilted. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), sour cream, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until it is well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start by layering the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a spread of the chicken mixture. Then, layer corn tortillas on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of the shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process until all of the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. This layered structure will help create a cheesy, comforting casserole with lots of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. The casserole should be heated through, with a crispy, cheese-covered top.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling time helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional avocado slices for added flavor and a vibrant touch.

Variations & Tips

Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless version, simply omit the chicken and double the black beans. Alternatively, you can add quinoa as a protein-packed substitute, which will keep the dish filling and nutritious.

Lower Carb Option: If you’re looking to reduce carbs, swap out the corn tortillas for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. These veggie alternatives will add a fresh twist while still offering the satisfying layers of the casserole.

Extra Creaminess: For a richer, creamier casserole, blend the sour cream with a block of softened cream cheese before adding it to the chicken mixture. This will give the casserole a smooth texture and indulgent taste.

Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, consider adding a diced jalapeño to the vegetable sauté or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. This will give the casserole an extra layer of heat that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.

Refried Beans: For an even heartier casserole, you can spread a layer of refried beans onto the tortillas before adding the chicken mixture. This will add extra creaminess and depth of flavor to the dish.

Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, wrap it securely with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in the oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is a complete meal on its own, thanks to the chicken, beans, and vegetables. However, you can pair it with a side salad or some freshly sliced avocado for extra nutrition and flavor. For a fun twist, serve it with tortilla chips on the side or a dollop of guacamole for a Tex-Mex-inspired meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on the serving size and ingredients)

Protein: 25g

Carbs: 30g

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 6g

Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion

This Chicken Tortilla Spinach Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its savory chicken, creamy texture, and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, with the option to customize it based on your dietary needs and preferences, this dish can be made to suit everyone’s tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or a dish that you can freeze for later, this casserole is a perfect choice. Enjoy every bite!

Let us know how it turns out and if you tried any of the variations or tips. Enjoy cooking!

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