Description
This 4-Ingredient Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a quick and easy dinner recipe that combines shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and tortillas into a delicious layered bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole delivers the flavors of a classic quesadilla in an effortless baked form. It’s customizable with optional garnishes like avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added freshness and creaminess.
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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish (approximately 8-inch 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 in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Tear the 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, then drizzle with ¼ cup of the remaining salsa.
- Repeat Layers: Layer with 2 more tortillas on top of the chicken mixture, followed by the remaining chicken mixture, and drizzle again with ¼ cup of salsa.
- Top with Remaining Tortillas: Finish by placing the last 2 tortillas on top to cover the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Cut the casserole into squares and garnish with your choice of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, olives, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or lime wedges for added color and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe requires only 4 main ingredients, making it a quick and simple meal solution.
- Using cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken saves preparation time.
- Feel free to substitute salsa with taco sauce or enchilada sauce depending on your flavor preference.
- Optional garnishes add freshness and texture, making the dish customizable.
- The casserole is easily doubled or halved to suit your serving needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of 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
