Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole

4.91 from 10 votes

A warm and cheesy chicken casserole.

Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole

Growing up, “quesadillas” were one of many things my sister and I realized we could “cook” all by ourselves in the microwave.

Our recipe was simple: Two tortillas and whatever kind of cheese my mom had in the fridge. We just popped it all in the microwave until it was melted and garnished it with a dollop of sour cream if we were in the mood.

We definitely thought we had designed the epitome of classy after-school snacks.

Fortunately, our palettes and cooking abilities have both evolved since then. These days, you won’t often find me chowing down on a soggy microwave “quesadillas.” You will, however, find me trying lots of healthy, grown-up recipes that pay homage to one of my earliest attempts in the kitchen.

This baked chicken quesadilla casserole is one of my favorite takes yet. Classic chicken quesadillas get a spicy twist with cumin and chili powder. Meanwhile, preparing this dish as a casserole makes for easy prep and a perfect weeknight meal.

Mexican Made Easy

Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole

In many ways, this dish is basically a Mexican lasagna. It packs all of your favorite Mexican flavors into one healthy and delicious baked dish.
Whether it’s in quesadillas or tortilla soup, shredded chicken is a star in southwestern recipes. It’s one of my favorite ways to eat chicken, and you’ll find it in this baked chicken quesadilla casserole as well.

Along with the fun and flavorful spices mentioned above, this recipe also packs all the other can’t-miss staple ingredients of Mexican cooking. In this cheesy chicken bake, you’ll find tortillas, layered quesadilla style, and tons of corn and black beans for a delicious “fiesta” casserole. Meanwhile, this quesadilla casserole packs plenty of (reduced-fat) cheese and (fat-free) sour cream for a healthy twist on must-have quesadilla ingredients.

While this chicken quesadilla casserole may not be quite as easy as popping two tortillas in the microwave, it comes pretty close (and tastes much better). Casseroles are notoriously easy “make ahead” meals. This recipe will only take you about an hour to make. And, of course, we all know casseroles are ideal for leftovers. Pack them for lunch the next day or make this recipe ahead and serve for dinner all week.

Enjoy this healthy and delicious take on quesadillas, and prep an easy meal that fortunately doesn’t require the microwave.

4.91 from 10 votes

Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole

This scrumptious Mexican-inspired casserole contains all our favorite ingredients in one amazing bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Yield 8 people
Serving Size 1 cup
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex

Ingredients

  • 2 cups boneless and skinless chicken breasts cooked, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream fat-free
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese reduced-fat, shredded
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup corn kernels canned or frozen (thawed)
  • 15 ounces black beans can, drained and rinsed
  • 4 whole-grain tortillas large, recipe for tortillas

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sour cream, half the cheese, half the cumin, half the chili powder, salt, and half the pepper. Mix well.
  • In a second bowl, combine the corn, black beans, the remaining cumin, chili powder, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Lay two of the tortillas in the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas and half the bean mixture over the chicken. Place the remaining tortillas over the beans and repeat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  • Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 533mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 6
Keywords Budget-Friendly, High Protein, Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy

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Chef Nichole

Nichole has a culinary degree from Great Lakes Culinary Institute and has worked in the culinary industry for 10 years. She also has the knowledge to write recipes using the most nutritious, fresh, and balanced ingredients. Nichole enjoys creating healthy and tasty recipes anyone can prepare, no matter their cooking skill level.

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2 Comments

    1. Patty, Making this casserole ahead and freezing it for later is a great idea. Be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

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