Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy layers, and zesty salsa verde. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors, this casserole is as comforting as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavors: The tangy salsa verde pairs perfectly with the cheesy and creamy layers.
2. Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a breeze to put together.
3. Customizable: Adapt the recipe with your favorite ingredients to make it truly your own.
4. Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook and Shred: Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Once cool, shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
2. Season: Toss the shredded chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder for added flavor. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer 1: Spread ½ cup of salsa verde evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish.
2. Layer 2: Place a layer of halved corn tortillas over the salsa, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom.
3. Layer 3: Spread half of the refried beans over the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded chicken.
4. Layer 4: Drizzle ½ cup of salsa verde over the chicken, then add a layer of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers (tortillas, beans, chicken, salsa, sour cream, cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
6. Top with Chiles: Sprinkle the diced green chiles evenly over the final cheese layer.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
2. Garnish: Top with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and your favorite optional toppings.
3. Serve: Slice into squares and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
2. Homemade Salsa Verde: If possible, make your own salsa verde for maximum freshness. Blend tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, and jalapeños for a zesty homemade version.
3. Don’t Overlayer: Keep the layers even and manageable to ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
4. Add Texture: Mix in corn kernels or black beans for added texture and nutrition.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
2. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
3. Gluten-Free: Ensure your corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.
4. Low-Carb Version: Swap tortillas for thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions

This Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a lime vinaigrette.
• Rice: Serve alongside cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice.
• Chips and Salsa: Add tortilla chips and guacamole for a fun appetizer.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole combines the bold, tangy flavors of salsa verde with creamy and cheesy textures, making it a crowd-pleaser. The layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the tortillas soak up the delicious sauce while maintaining their structure. It’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and can be customized to fit your preferences, making it a versatile and dependable recipe.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation!

Yield: 6

Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole Recipe

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This Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy layers, and zesty salsa verde. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors, this casserole is as comforting as it is delicious.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 ½ cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, salsa verde, sour cream, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
2. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a single layer of tortillas, covering as much of the surface as possible.
2. Spread ⅓ of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
3. Repeat the layers (tortillas, chicken mixture) two more times, finishing with a final layer of tortillas.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

4. Bake:

• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.
• Serve hot with your favorite toppings like guacamole, diced tomatoes, or extra salsa verde.

Notes

• Shortcuts: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
• Tortilla Swap: Swap tortillas for tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
• Spice Level: Use mild, medium, or hot salsa verde to control the heat. Add diced green chilies for an extra kick.
• Make It Creamier: Add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the chicken mixture for an ultra-creamy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cook time.