This incredibly creamy and cheesy chicken tortilla casserole with cream of chicken soup is a true culinary delight, destined to become a beloved family classic! Imagine layers of succulent diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts, vibrant hatch chiles, and a velvety smooth sauce, all baked to perfection between soft flour tortillas. It’s the ultimate comfort food, surprisingly quick to assemble, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to a heartwarming, easy-to-make casserole that brings everyone to the table!

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty casserole to bring comfort on a chilly evening. This delightful cheesy chicken tortilla bake casserole instantly transports you back to simpler times, evoking cherished childhood memories with every savory bite. It’s precisely the kind of dish you crave when you need something satisfying and wholesome. As one of our top quick and easy casseroles, it consistently delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a staple in countless homes.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Casserole with Cream of Chicken Soup

For many, a casserole embodies the essence of versatility – a dish where you can freely add an abundance of your favorite ingredients or simply omit those you don’t fancy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, largely thanks to a secret weapon: Campbell’s condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, twist). This creamy base significantly reduces prep time while delivering an unparalleled richness that makes this casserole truly special.

Customizing your casserole is part of the fun! While some may prefer a simpler profile, I occasionally incorporate diced bell peppers to add a touch of sweetness and color. Initially, I kept them out to cater to younger palates, but a recent experiment with half a diced bell pepper proved successful, with no complaints from the kids. For an extra boost of flavor in the chicken, I highly recommend marinating the strips in a splash of Wish-Bone Italian Dressing before browning them on the stovetop. This simple step infuses the chicken with a vibrant, herbaceous zest.

If you’re new to marinating chicken, this technique is an effortless way to “kick it up a notch.” Italian dressing, often packed with a delightful blend of herbs and seasonings, and notably gluten-free and free from high fructose corn syrup, provides a fantastic flavor foundation. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of chili powder, some hot green chiles, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken or the casserole mixture. These additions will lend a pleasant warmth without overpowering the dish’s comforting essence.

Key Ingredients for Your Chicken Tortilla Casserole

The choice of tortillas is crucial for this casserole’s success. We strongly recommend using flour tortillas over corn tortillas. Flour tortillas soften beautifully during baking, creating a tender, cohesive layer that binds the casserole together. Corn tortillas, while delicious in other dishes, tend to be coarser and can break apart, resulting in a less desirable texture here. Burrito-sized flour tortillas are ideal for this recipe, offering ample surface area for layering. If you’re short on time or prefer a shortcut, pre-cooked chicken options work wonderfully.

Essential Ingredients List:

1. Chicken Breasts: Diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts were used in this recipe. This is an excellent way to utilize leftover chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken, or even pre-cooked sous vide chicken from the previous night, enhancing both convenience and flavor.
2. Italian Dressing: A robust Italian dressing not only marinates the chicken to perfection but also adds a layer of complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
3. Cream of Chicken Soup: The cornerstone of this casserole’s creamy texture and comforting taste.
4. Diced Green Chilies: These provide a mild, earthy spice and an authentic Southwestern kick.
5. Milk: Used to thin out the soup, ensuring a smooth, spreadable consistency.
6. Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and richness, contributing to the casserole’s luxurious creaminess.
7. Bell Pepper: Half a diced bell pepper (any color) adds a subtle sweetness and visual appeal.
8. Diced Tomatoes: Offer a juicy burst of flavor and a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
9. Shredded Cheese: And lots of it! Cheddar is a classic choice, but a Mexican blend works beautifully too. For those needing a dairy-free option, brands like Daiya offer excellent shredded Mexican blend alternatives that melt surprisingly well.

With all these components ready, you’re looking at a meal that comes together quickly. While it’s often touted as a 30-minute meal, factoring in chicken cooking and prep, it’s closer to 45 minutes of active time, still incredibly fast for such a satisfying casserole. The magic happens quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.

Among these key ingredients, the tortillas deserve a special mention. If you haven’t tried TortillaLand® Flour Tortillas, they are a game-changer! Unlike shelf-stable varieties, these are found in the refrigerated section because you cook them fresh at home. This unique feature ensures they last longer and deliver an unparalleled freshness and texture that elevates your casserole.

How to Prepare TortillaLand Tortillas for Your Casserole

Cooking TortillaLand tortillas is surprisingly simple and adds a delightful depth to your casserole. Just place one tortilla in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. You’ll notice them puffing up slightly, which indicates they are perfectly cooked. They’ll achieve a light golden brown, and you can crisp them up to your desired preference. For this casserole, once cooked, simply cut them into strips and gently mix them with your prepared chicken and all the other delicious ingredients. This method ensures they integrate seamlessly into the bake, providing both structure and a wonderfully soft texture, ready for the oven!

Crafting Your Easy Shredded Chicken and Tortilla Casserole

The versatility of this casserole extends to its creamy base. While cream of chicken soup is a staple, cream of mushroom soup makes for an equally fantastic alternative, offering a different but equally rich flavor profile. For households with dietary restrictions, like my own, dairy-free condensed soups are also available, making this a truly inclusive meal. It’s incredibly simple to adapt, right? My kids absolutely adore this casserole, and it’s a rare occasion to find any leftovers the next day. Everything you need for this comforting dish is readily available at your local grocery store.

When shopping for ingredients, you’ll typically find Tyson chicken in the meat department and Italian salad dressing among the condiments. Remember that TortillaLand Flour Tortillas are unique because they’re refrigerated, so look for them in the dairy or refrigerated dough section! The biggest distinction between these and standard packaged tortillas found on shelves is their superior texture. When cooked, they develop a delightful crispness, helping them hold their shape better within the casserole. This quality is a significant advantage when mixing all the ingredients, ensuring the tortillas don’t become overly soggy. While standard tortillas can certainly be used, we simply prefer the enhanced structure and freshness that TortillaLand provides. For an even more intense flavor, especially if you’re using Italian dressing, consider making this with leftovers from our Crockpot chicken with Italian dressing recipe. The consistent flavor profile across dishes truly elevates the casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Can You Substitute Rotel for Diced Tomatoes?

Absolutely, Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) is a popular and excellent substitute for plain diced tomatoes in this casserole. However, be mindful that Rotel will introduce a spicier kick to your dish, which can be a welcome addition for those who enjoy more heat. Another convenient alternative, especially when you’re pressed for time or have a busy schedule, is to use precooked chicken. Whether it’s leftover chicken from the night before, pre-shredded chicken, or a rotisserie chicken, skipping the initial step of cooking raw chicken on the stovetop will significantly reduce your preparation time. The key is to adapt the recipe to what you have on hand and what works best for your schedule.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Campbell’s Creamy Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Creating this delicious and comforting Campbell’s Soup Chicken Tortilla Casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect family meal:

• Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips.
  • Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken to save time, bypassing the initial sautéing step.
• Place the chicken strips into a large bowl, pour in the Italian dressing, and toss until all pieces are thoroughly coated. For a deeper flavor, you can let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
• Once marinated, drain any excess dressing from the chicken. Transfer the chicken to a pan and cook over medium heat on the stovetop until it is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
• Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and dice it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
• If using TortillaLand tortillas (or any uncooked flour tortillas), cook them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, until they puff up slightly and are lightly golden. Then, slice these cooked tortillas into long strips.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken and the tortilla strips.
• Add all the other ingredients to the bowl, reserving about 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the topping. Stir everything gently until all components are well coated with the creamy soup mixture.
• Transfer the chicken and tortilla mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
• Carefully remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the top is golden.
• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial resting time allows the casserole to set and solidify slightly, making it easier to serve.
• Garnish with fresh chives, if desired, and serve warm!

Other Irresistible Chicken Casseroles You’ll Love

If this cheesy chicken tortilla casserole has won your heart, you’re in for a treat with our other fantastic casserole recipes! Our Mexican Pizza Casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining guests or a fun family dinner. We’ve even created a pressure cooker version for ultimate convenience. For a taste of classic comfort, our Swedish meatball casserole offers a rich and savory experience that’s simply delicious. And when you find yourself with leftover chicken, give our incredibly cheesy chicken stuffing casserole a try – it’s an effortless way to transform extra ingredients into a new family favorite!

Chicken Tortilla Bake

By
Justine

This chicken tortilla bake casserole with cream of chicken soup is amazing! A family-favorite cheesy casserole packed with diced tomatoes, zesty chiles, and so quick to throw together!

Prep:

15
mins

Cook:

40
mins

Total:

55
mins

Servings:
10

Equipment

• 1 9×13 casserole dish
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• Skillet (for cooking chicken/tortillas)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 – 2
  lbs
  Chicken Breasts,
  Boneless, Skinless, cut into strips
• 1/3
  cup
  Italian Dressing
• 6
  Flour Tortillas,
  TortillaLand recommended (cook before adding to mix)
• 1
  can
  Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
• 4
  oz
  Diced Green Chilies (canned)
• 1/2
  cup
  Milk
• 1
  cup
  Sour Cream
• 1/2
  Bell Pepper,
  diced (any color)
• 1
  cup
  Diced Tomatoes (canned, drained)
• 1 1/2
  cups
  Cheddar Cheese,
  shredded (plus more for topping)
• Chives –
  optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Cut chicken breasts into strips.
• Add chicken strips to a bowl with Italian dressing and coat all pieces. (For stronger flavor, marinate in the fridge for an hour.) Drain any residual dressing before cooking.
• Add chicken to a pan on the stovetop and cook over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Dice the cooked chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
• Cook tortillas on the stovetop (if uncooked, like TortillaLand) until they puff up, signaling they are done. Cut the cooked tortillas into long strips.
• In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken and tortilla strips. Then, add all other ingredients, except for 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until everything is well coated.
• Transfer the chicken mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to sit for at least 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with chives and serve!

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Serving:
4
oz

,

Calories:
233
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
16
g

,

Protein:
7
g

,

Fat:
15
g

,

Saturated Fat:
7
g

,

Cholesterol:
33
mg

,

Sodium:
550
mg

,

Potassium:
246
mg

,

Fiber:
1
g

,

Sugar:
4
g

,

Vitamin A:
650
IU

,

Vitamin C:
13.7
mg

,

Calcium:
205
mg

,

Iron:
1.7
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary.

Additional Info

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American