Description
This Easy Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that layers tender cooked chicken, melty cheese, and salsa between soft flour tortillas, all baked to perfection. Ideal for a quick family dinner, it’s topped with fresh garnishes like cilantro, green onions, and avocado to add brightness 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
Garnishes (Optional)
- 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) and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish (around 8- 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). Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Layer Tortillas: Arrange 2 of the flour tortillas at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Tear tortillas if needed to cover the base completely; overlapping pieces are fine.
- Add First Chicken Layer: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla base. Drizzle with ¼ cup of the remaining salsa.
- Repeat Layers: Layer 2 more tortillas on top of the chicken mixture, then spread the remaining chicken mixture evenly. Drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup salsa.
- Top with Remaining Tortillas: Finish by placing the last 2 tortillas on top to cover the casserole completely.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through thoroughly.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into squares and serve with your choice of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, olives, tomatoes, diced avocado, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or lime wedges for added flavor and color.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you prefer for convenience.
- Salsa can be substituted with taco sauce or enchilada sauce for varied flavor profiles.
- Feel free to customize the garnishes according to your taste and what’s available.
- Covering the casserole during most of the baking time keeps the dish moist and helps the flavors blend well.
- If desired, add a little canned jalapeños or chopped green chilies inside for extra heat.
- Use flour tortillas as they hold up well to layering and baking compared to corn tortillas.
- The recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings using a bigger baking dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
