Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes
I first whipped up a version of this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends. I wanted something hearty, comforting, and easy to serve a crowd. It was such a hit, combining familiar Tex-Mex flavors with a cozy casserole feel, that it instantly became a staple for special mornings.
Why Make Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe?
This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious breakfast or brunch. It's incredibly flavorful, combining tender chicken, soft tortillas, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Plus, it's highly adaptable, perfect for using leftover chicken, and can even be assembled the night before for a quick bake in the morning, making it ideal for entertaining or busy weekends.
Key Benefits
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines beloved flavors in a warm, cheesy bake perfect for pleasing everyone at the table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and simply bake when ready to serve.
- Great for Leftovers: An excellent way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken into a brand new, exciting meal.
- Easy Assembly: Simple layering makes this recipe straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different spices, cheeses, veggies, or even protein.
Get ready to elevate your morning routine with our spectacular Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe! Imagine layers of savory chicken, soft corn tortillas, a luscious creamy sauce infused with gentle spices, all blanketed under a layer of perfectly melted cheese. This Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe is not just a meal; it's a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for kicking off a weekend or impressing brunch guests. Forget boring scrambled eggs, this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
Variation Ideas
Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the cream sauce, use pepper jack cheese, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Vegetarian Delight
Substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Salsa Verde Twist
Use salsa verde instead of red salsa for a tangier, brighter flavor profile.
Add Veggies
Mix in corn, black beans, sautéed bell peppers, or spinach into the chicken mixture for added nutrition and texture.
Breakfast Sausage Swap
Use cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage instead of chicken for a different morning flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For ultimate convenience, use shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Don't Oversoak Tortillas: Dip tortillas quickly or lightly coat them; oversoaking can lead to a mushy bake.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes slicing cleaner.
- Ensure Even Layers: Spread the chicken mixture and sauce evenly in each layer for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cover if Browning Too Quickly: If the top starts to brown too fast before the center is hot, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
Leftovers & Reheating
Store leftover Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For best results and to maintain crispiness, reheat the casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, removing the foil for the last few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Toppings: Serve wedges topped with dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh salsa, and chopped cilantro.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Add sliced avocado or a scoop of guacamole for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Fried Egg: Top each serving with a perfectly fried or poached egg for an extra breakfast boost.
- Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch.
- Hot Sauce: Offer your favorite hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is estimated based on ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary.
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Sodium: 850
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Ensure you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your salsa and spices are gluten-free.
Q: What kind of chicken works best?
A: Any cooked chicken works! Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked or grilled chicken, or even poached chicken breasts are great options. Just shred or dice it.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: As written, it's mildly spiced. You can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños, using a spicier salsa, or adding cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas. They will result in a softer texture compared to corn tortillas. Cut them to fit your baking dish.
Ready to Bake Up Some Brunch!?
Don't wait for a special occasion! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake. It's the perfect way to make any morning feel a little more special. Happy cooking!
Useful Resources
- The Kitchn: How To Shred Chicken – Explore various easy methods for shredding cooked chicken perfectly for casseroles.
- Bon Appétit: Guide to Mexican Cheeses – Learn about different Mexican cheeses that could add authentic flavor to your bake.
- Simply Recipes: How to Make Homemade Salsa – Elevate your bake by making your own fresh salsa with this simple guide.
- Food Network: Casserole Cooking Tips – General tips for making any casserole, including this one, turn out perfectly.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe
Ingredients
Creamy Chicken Filling & Sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive oil Or other cooking oil
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 3 cups Cooked chicken shredded or diced (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Salsa mild or medium, red or green
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
Assembly
- 10 Corn tortillas (6-inch) cut into quarters or strips
- 2 cups Shredded cheese blend e.g., Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
Optional Toppings
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 Avocado sliced or diced
- 0.5 cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 Jalapeño sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. (Skip if using pre-cooked onion or omitting).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed onion (if using), softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Begin layering the casserole in the prepared baking dish. Start with a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom. Arrange a layer of tortilla pieces over the sauce. Top with about one-third of the remaining chicken mixture, followed by about one-third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers twice more: tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, shredded cheese. Finish with a final layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Let the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños.