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Golden Chicken Tortilla Casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro served in a white baking dish

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

This Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a time-saving, delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With easy layers of chicken, cheese, and vibrant chiles, it’s sure to become a household favorite!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt
  • Chicken Gravy (recipe follows)
  • 1 cup canned green chiles, chopped and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • 24 six-inch corn tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded Cheddar
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • 13x9-inch baking dish
  • Large Saucepan
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and cook until tender, roughly 30 minutes. Remove and shred once cool, reserving 3 1/3 cups of the cooking liquid for later.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. Prepare the Chicken Gravy: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly until golden. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and milk, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large saucepan, combine 2 1/3 cups reserved broth, the Chicken Gravy, green chiles, onion, garlic, sour cream, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  5. Spoon 1 cup of the mixture into your baking dish, spreading evenly. Layer 6 tortillas on top, followed by 1 cup shredded chicken and 1/2 cup Cheddar. Repeat layers until you’ve used all ingredients, finishing with a cheese layer.
  6. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbling and golden-brown on top.

Notes

If you’re assembling ahead, stop right before baking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving. Got leftover turkey? Swap it in for chicken — it works beautifully. Want even more cheese pull? Add a handful of mozzarella along with the Cheddar. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.