If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender chicken, creamy soup, zesty Ro-tel, and black beans combined with crispy corn tortillas and melted Mexican cheese come together in a dish that’s both hearty and full of vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe comes from straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Nothing complicated here—just pantry staples and fresh cooked chicken coming together perfectly.
- 12 corn tortillas: Tearing them rather than cutting gives the casserole a rustic texture that holds up beautifully after baking.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy, comforting base that binds the casserole together.
- 1½ cups sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness, balancing out all the savory elements.
- 1 (10-oz) can Ro-tel, drained: Brings a kick of tomato and chili for just the right touch of spice.
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds protein, fiber, and a pleasant earthiness to the dish.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Infuses every bite with classic Mexican spices that elevate the casserole’s depth of flavor.
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken: The star protein that makes this casserole hearty and satisfying.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly over each layer, creating gooey, golden cheesiness that you’ll adore.
How to Make Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF to get it nice and hot. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets the foundation for a flawless casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained Ro-tel, black beans, taco seasoning, and cooked chopped chicken. Mixing these ingredients together ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly creamy. Set this mixture aside while you prep the tortillas.
Step 3: Layer Your Casserole
Tear 6 corn tortillas into big pieces and spread them out to cover the bottom of your prepared pan. This gentle tearing, rather than cutting, creates a lovely texture and helps the tortillas nestle together. Spread half of your creamy chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Repeat with another torn layer of tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and finish with the final cup of cheese. The layers will bake into a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top starts to brown and crisp slightly. This step melds all the layers together and develops that irresistible golden crust that makes every forkful so satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten your Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe even more, add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime juice or some sliced jalapeños can add a refreshing zing and a little heat to tailor the dish to your liking.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the casserole, while rice and beans round out the meal with complementary flavors and extra heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy family dinner or divide it into individual ramekins for a charming presentation at a party. For a fun twist, try layering it into a slow cooker for a hands-off option or even turn it into mini casseroles using muffin tins for perfect single servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats all the way through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings until hot, but baking helps maintain that crispy top and delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will give the casserole a softer, tender texture. However, the corn tortillas add a bit of authentic crispness and a slightly different flavor that many prefer in this dish.
What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?
Any cooked chicken works great—rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or chicken you’ve poached or baked yourself. Just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure even layering.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with extra beans, sautéed vegetables, or even a plant-based chicken alternative. Also, consider using vegetable broth or a vegetarian cream soup to keep it fully meat-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spicy element mainly comes from Ro-tel and taco seasoning, which provide a mild to medium heat that’s very manageable. If you prefer less spice, use mild Ro-tel or reduce the taco seasoning. For more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, making it ideal for families or small gatherings. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe enough—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat without any fuss. Every spoonful is rich, cozy, and packed with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors that’ll quickly make it a weeknight staple in your home. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for the leftovers again and again!
Print
Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This comforting Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make layered bake combining tender cooked chicken, creamy soup and sour cream mixture, black beans, Ro-Tel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and melted Mexican blend cheese over soft corn tortillas. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole brings a flavorful Tex-Mex twist with a creamy texture and cheesy golden top.
Ingredients
Base Layers
- 12 corn tortillas
Chicken Mixture
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 (10-oz) can Ro-Tel, drained
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
Topping
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Mix the chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained Ro-Tel, rinsed black beans, taco seasoning, and chopped cooked chicken. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble the casserole layers: Tear 6 corn tortillas into pieces and spread them evenly along the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour and spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Repeat by adding another layer of torn tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and the remaining 1 cup of cheese to finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese on top is starting to brown beautifully.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Drain the Ro-Tel and black beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, use hot Ro-Tel or add some chopped jalapeños.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
