Description
This 4-Ingredient Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a quick and easy dinner that combines tender cooked chicken, salsa, cheese, and flour tortillas into a delicious baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it layers classic quesadilla flavors in a simple casserole form that the whole family will love. Optional garnishes add fresh brightness and extra texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or leftovers)
- 1 cup salsa, divided (or substitute 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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish (about 8-inch or 9-inch square) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Mixture: 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 everything together until well mixed.
- Layer Tortillas: Place 2 of the flour tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, tearing them as needed to cover the entire surface. Overlapping pieces is fine to ensure full coverage.
- Add First Chicken Layer: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla layer. Drizzle with ¼ cup of the remaining salsa to add moisture and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the previous steps by adding another 2 tortillas on top, then the remaining chicken mixture, followed by another drizzle of ¼ cup salsa. Finish by placing the final 2 tortillas on the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will heat through the layers and meld the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve with Garnishes: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm, topped with optional garnishes such as fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, olives, tomatoes, diced avocado, guacamole, sour cream, extra salsa, or fresh lime wedges for added zest.
Notes
- This casserole requires only 4 main ingredients, making it super simple and quick to prepare.
- The recipe is very flexible; you can substitute salsa with taco sauce or enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly, saving prep time.
- Optional garnishes add fresh flavors and extra texture to each serving.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking uncovered, watching closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the casserole
- Calories: 387
- 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
