Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole: A Tex-Mex Family Favorite

This creamy salsa verde chicken casserole is a perfect combination of cheesy, tangy, and comforting flavors. Packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty green sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s an easy Tex-Mex dish that’s great for family dinners or casual entertaining. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike.

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If you enjoy vibrant Tex-Mex flavors like those found in cheesy chicken enchiladas or a fiesta-style chicken bake, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a flavorful, hearty dish ready in under an hour.

Why This Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole Works

Bursting with Flavor

This casserole is all about bold, fresh flavors. Shredded chicken is combined with tangy salsa verde and mild green chilies, then layered between soft corn tortillas and topped with a generous amount of cheese. Every bite delivers that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and slightly zesty taste.

Easy to Prepare

One of the best things about this recipe is how little time it takes. If you have pre-cooked chicken, assembling the casserole takes just a few minutes. Even without pre-made chicken, this dish is simple enough to whip up using rotisserie or leftover chicken mixed with salsa verde.

Adaptable to Your Taste

The base recipe is mild, making it kid-friendly, but it’s easy to add heat if desired. Extra spices, diced jalapeños, or hot green chilies can give this casserole a spicier kick without changing the overall texture or creaminess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Only a handful of ingredients are needed to create a rich and flavorful casserole:

• Shredded Chicken – Use pre-cooked salsa verde chicken, slow-cooked chicken, or simply rotisserie chicken combined with salsa verde.
• Green Chiles or Rotel – Provides mild heat and adds texture to the filling. Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies can work as a substitute.
• Sour Cream – Adds creaminess; Greek yogurt or cream cheese works if you prefer.
• Seasonings – Cumin, cayenne, and salt bring depth and subtle heat.
• Corn Tortillas – Perfect for layering and holding the filling without becoming too soggy.
• Cheese – A Tex-Mex blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well. Pepper Jack can be added for extra spice. Freshly shredded cheese melts best for a smooth, gooey topping.

With just these ingredients, you can create a comforting casserole that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This casserole comes together quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with sour cream, Rotel or diced green chilies, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Start by spreading a portion of the chicken mixture on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Layer corn tortillas on top of the chicken, then add half of the remaining chicken mixture followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese until the dish is filled, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.

Step 3: Bake

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, which helps it set and makes serving easier.

Tips and Variations

• Adjusting for Larger Groups: Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch baking dish, keeping the proportions consistent.
• Avoiding Overcooking: Since the chicken is already cooked, overbaking can dry it out. Preheat your oven fully to bake evenly.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 8 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with pork carnitas, shredded beef, or even a vegetarian option like beans or sautéed vegetables.
• Extra Add-ins: Bell peppers, corn, black beans, or pickled jalapeños can be added to the layers for more texture and flavor. Just drain canned ingredients well to avoid excess moisture.

Perfect Toppings

Enhance the casserole with toppings similar to your favorite tacos:

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• Guacamole or avocado salsa

These toppings add freshness and elevate the dish with vibrant colors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with sides to create a complete Tex-Mex meal:

• White or cilantro-lime rice
• Cheesy ranch potatoes
• Sweet potato biscuits
• A fresh Southwestern-style salad
• Cheesy nachos as an appetizer
• Sopapilla cheesecake or another light dessert

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