Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Quick and Easy: It comes together in under an hour!3
• Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.5
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite ingredients.3
• Great for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day!6

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes2
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup onion, chopped2
• 4 cloves garlic, minced2
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil2
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried cumin2
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano2
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper2
• 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles23
• 1 can (10¾ oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed123
• 1 can (10¾ oz) cream of mushroom soup, condensed123
• 1 cup chicken broth23
• 1 dozen corn tortillas, cut into ½-inch strips2
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated123
• 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)23

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish13.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant24.
3. Spice It Up: Stir in the cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom24.
4. Create the Sauce: Add the chopped green chiles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until well combined and smooth123.
5. Layer It: In the prepared casserole dish, arrange a layer of corn tortilla strips to cover the bottom. Top with half of the chicken, then spread half of the sauce mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese135.
6. Repeat: Repeat the layers – tortillas, chicken, sauce, and 1 cup of cheese35.
7. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top1.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden1.
9. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving5. This helps it to set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or green onions36.
• Side Dishes: Pair it with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad.
• Make it a Fiesta: Add a side of tortilla chips and a pitcher of margaritas for a complete Tex-Mex meal!

Tips for Customization

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat13.
• Veggies: Add other veggies like corn, bell peppers, or black beans to the chicken mixture4.
• Cheese: Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend3.
• Tortillas: While I prefer corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas if you like, but keep in mind they may get a bit soggy13.
• Protein: Try using shredded beef or ground turkey instead of chicken.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.