This Year’s Recipe Contest Winner Is a Crowd-Pleasing Casserole
+1 photo

This Year’s Recipe Contest Winner Is a Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

6 servings
In this chicken and spinach tortilla bake recipe, tortillas are rolled with a hearty filling, topped with salsa and cheese, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • butter
    1 tbsp
  • onion

    chopped

    ½ small
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • container spinach

    chopped, 6 to 7 cups

    1
  • shredded rotisserie chicken
    2 c
  • kosher salt
    ¼ tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • flour tortillas
    6
  • jar picante salsa

    divided

    1
  • shredded cheddar cheese

    divided

    2 c
  • sour cream

    chopped avocado, and/or cilantro, for serving, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Also spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil (large enough to cover the pan) with cooking spray and set aside.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is mostly translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted and the excess moisture evaporates, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and toss until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Stack the tortillas on a large microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave until warmed through and pliable, 15 to 30 seconds.

  4. 4

    Spread about 2 tablespoons of the salsa onto a tortilla. Add about 1/3 cup of the filling, then sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Roll the tortilla up and place seam-side down in the greased baking dish. Repeat filling and rolling with the remaining tortillas, lining them up in a single layer in the dish. Spread the remaining salsa on top with sprinkle evenly with the remaining cheese.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Cover the dish tightly with the aluminum foil, greased side down, and bake until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly around the edges, about 10 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

This Year’s Recipe Contest Winner Is a Crowd-Pleasing Casserole
+1

This Year’s Recipe Contest Winner Is a Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

4.2(5)50 min6 servings745 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 5 ratings

simplyrecipes.com
4.2(5 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, hearty dinner that everyone at the table will love? This year’s recipe contest winner, a delightful chicken and spinach tortilla bake, is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. It’s the kind of casserole that feels both special and incredibly easy to achieve.

What makes this chicken and spinach tortilla bake truly stand out is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. You'll roll tender flour tortillas around a savory filling of shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh spinach, all bound together with rich butter, aromatic onion, and garlic. Topped generously with zesty picante salsa and two cups of melty cheddar cheese, it bakes to golden perfection, promising a satisfying bite every time.

Expect a dinner experience that's both comforting and satisfying. Each serving delivers a harmonious blend of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and soft, saucy tortillas, all enveloped in gooey, savory cheese. The picante salsa adds a gentle kick and brightens the rich flavors, creating a dish that feels both familiar and exciting. It's a robust casserole that fills you up and leaves you feeling content, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adapt this versatile chicken and spinach tortilla bake to your preferences. While cheddar cheese is specified, you could experiment with a Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a slightly different flavor profile. For an extra layer of flavor in the filling, consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder. You can also easily adjust the heat level by choosing a mild, medium, or hot picante salsa.

Serve this winning casserole hot, straight from the oven, as a complete meal. For an elevated presentation and even more flavor, offer optional toppings like a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy chopped avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It's a fantastic main course that pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad.

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