Leftover Tortilla Chip Casserole is a family favorite that’s perfect for using up those extra tortilla chips. This hearty dish is made with rotisserie chicken, salsa, green chilies, and plenty of melted cheese for a flavorful, comforting meal. It’s a quick and easy way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious casserole that everyone will love!
Change up your taco night with this flavor-packed Mexican chicken casserole. While I love tacos as much as the next person, I believe in changing things up so Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole was created! It was worth the effort.
While we love making our favorites including Chicken Quesadillas, Baked Taco Cups, Homemade Refried Beans, and Crunchwrap Supremes, we’ve added this one to the list!
Inspired by Spicy Chicken-Tortilla Chip Casserole we played around with it, omitting the cream helping cut fat and calories.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp hot Mexican-style chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups salsa verde
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken cubed
- 15 oz. can Great Northern beans drained and rinsed (or another white bean)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 8 oz. tortilla chips slightly crushed
- 8 oz. bag shredded Mexican cheese blend
How To Make
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the baking pan with a coating of non-stick cooking spray.
Next, in a generously sized cast-iron sauté pan or a stockpot, warm up the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent.
Now, introduce the minced garlic and the array of aromatic spices.
Incorporate the flour into the mixture. The flour serves the important role of thickening the casserole, ensuring it has the desired consistency. A thick and hearty casserole is what we’re aiming for!
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking the mixture. Bring it to a simmer. If you have vegetable broth available in your pantry, it’s a fine alternative that saves you from making an extra trip to the store.
Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to gently thicken. Keep it simmering as you incorporate the remaining ingredients, so there’s no need for concern if the mixture remains somewhat liquid after the initial 2 minutes.
Blend in the salsa verde.
Afterward, introduce the chicken. I personally favor using rotisserie chicken in my recipes. I purchase a rotisserie chicken, shred the meat, and easily incorporate it into the dish. It’s a convenient and speedy option.
If you have an Instant Pot, learn How To Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Instant Pot.
Incorporate the beans into the pan. For this recipe, you can use a can of Great Northern beans or any other type of white beans you have in your pantry.
If you like, include the cilantro in the mixture.
Stir everything together until thoroughly combined. Allow the chicken mixture to continue simmering while you prepare your baking dish.
In your prepared pan, evenly distribute about one-third of the crushed tortilla chips.
Next, layer the cooked chicken mixture over the chips.
Follow this with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
Add another layer of crushed chips and any remaining shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese develops a golden brown hue.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot Mexican-style chili powder to your preference. If you like it spicier, you can add a bit more, or reduce it for a milder dish.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the casserole. This can be a time-saver for busy weeknights.
Layering Tortilla Chips: When layering the crushed tortilla chips, try to spread them evenly to create a nice, crunchy texture throughout the casserole. You can also reserve a handful of chips to sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses for a more diverse flavor. Monterey Jack or cheddar can work well alongside the Mexican cheese blend.
Garnish Creatively: The garnishes add freshness and color to the dish. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream, some sliced black olives, or even a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve with Sides: This casserole can be a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with side dishes like a simple green salad or Mexican rice to make it a larger meal for a crowd.
Chicken Casserole Topping Ideas:
Garnish your chicken and chip casserole with your favorite toppings.
- Avocados
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Black olives
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Pico de gallo
FAQ
Absolutely! You can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs to use in the casserole. Simply season and cook the chicken until fully cooked, then shred it before adding it to the casserole.
Yes, you can use other white beans like cannellini beans or navy beans if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Storage Instructions
Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have larger quantities or won’t consume it within that timeframe, consider freezing the leftovers.
To freeze, use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, and be sure to label and date them. Frozen casseroles can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven until heated through.
More Chicken Recipes:
- Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti
- Chicken Sausage Soup
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Wings
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Leftover Tortilla Chip Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon cumin ✅
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ✅
- 1/4 teaspoon hot Mexican style chili powder ✅
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth ✅
- 1 1/2 cups salsa verde ✅
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, cubed or shredded ✅
- 15 ounces Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8 ounces tortilla chips, crushed ✅
- 8 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend ✅
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a 3-quart baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- ⭐️Saute onions and garlic. In large cast-iron sauté pan, or stockpot, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and spices.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 teaspoon garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon hot Mexican style chili powder
- ⭐️Make the roux. Stir in flour then slowly whisk the chicken broth into the mixture. Bring to a simmer. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken slightly. Stir in salsa, chicken, beans, and cilantro then remove from heat.2 tablespoon gluten-free flour, 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups salsa verde, 3 cups rotisserie chicken, cubed or shredded, 15 ounces Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed, 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Layer the casserole. In the prepared pan, sprinkle about 1/3 of the crushed tortilla chips. Top with chicken mixture, sprinkle with 1/2 of the shredded cheese then top with remaining tortillas and cheese.8 ounces tortilla chips, crushed, 8 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ⭐️Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish. Garnish with avocados, green onions, jalapenos, tomatoes or cilantro if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Abbey Sharp says
This looks so epic! I want to dig in right now!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Abbey! Me too! 🙂
Pam Wattenbarger says
This looks great! Gooey, cheesy, and delicious. What more could you want out of a dinner?
Create Kids Club says
I am with you, Pam!
Amanda | My Gluten-Free Miami says
This is totally something my whole family would love. It is a good twist to the taco for taco night.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Amanda! I hope you give it a try! 🙂
Christine McMichael says
Looks soooo delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Can’t wait to try this amazing recipe soon!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Christine! I hope you enjoy the casserole. 🙂
Adriana Martin says
Have never tried to use pre-made chips for a corn tortilla bake I guess I must try your recipe soon
Create Kids Club says
I have never cooked with tortilla chips before this recipe either, Adriana. My daughter is a bit obsessed with nachos, so I thought I would give it a try. 🙂
spiffycookie says
Bravo on making it without the cream, it looks awesome! I may have to try your version as well.
Create Kids Club says
Thanks! I hope you give it a try!
Valerie Gray (@valmg) says
That looks terrific! My oldest loves Mexican food and I’m sure he;d eat this. I’ve never had Costco rotisserie chicken but that is something that it has it’s own Facebook page.
Create Kids Club says
The rotisserie chicken and the Facebook page had me laughing. Chicken? FB? I guess anything goes. But I do hope you try the recipe, it is really good!!
VeenaAzmanov says
I love anything Mexican.. yum.. Love casserole and love tortilla.. think it will be my kinda dish
Create Kids Club says
It is a really yummy combo, Veena!
ManilaSpoon says
Love this recipe as it looks very doable and sure to be a hit in my family! Love that you used rotisserie chicken as that makes it even more convenient!
Create Kids Club says
It really is a simple and easy recipe, but I think it looks like it might be complex. I am all about simple recipes and quick ways to make them. I hope you give it a try! 🙂
Amy says
I love a good casserole! This looks perfect for a weeknight dinner that my kids will love!
Create Kids Club says
Thanks Amy! I am not a huge casserole person, but this is one I could eat again and again. My kids loved it, I hope yours do too!
Traditionally Modern Food says
Using tortilla chips for adde role is something new to me. With loaded cheese can’t say no to this
Create Kids Club says
I usually don’t use them in cooking either, this one was to make my chip obsessed daughter happy. And I found that it was really good! 🙂
Daniela Anderson says
I have never used tortilla chips in casseroles, but just for snacking, but your recipe looks great. Lovely and satisfying, perfect for a family meal.
Create Kids Club says
I typically don’t use chips any other way either, Daniela, but when I saw the recipe I knew my kids would love it. I hope you enjoy!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
That is such a great weeknight dinner. I am in love with it. My family is a big fan of Mexican flavors and they would love this.
Create Kids Club says
I hope they like it, Sandhya! Mexican foods go over very well at my house too 🙂
Dene' V. Alexander says
Oh. My. Word – this looks absolutely delicious! All the best ingredients to create a dish perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Dene’! It is what will be on my table again come Cinco de Mayo!
Whole Food Bellies (@Wholefoodbellie) says
Yum, this sounds amazing, especially for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, especially with the use of a rotisserie chicken!
Create Kids Club says
I love using ingredients that can come together quickly, because who has time to spend hours in the kitchen?!
Molly Kumar says
This is such a great idea to use leftover tortilla chips. We always end up with some leftovers after parties which I usually have to throw away. The casserole looks so easy to make.
Create Kids Club says
Molly – that is the perfect use! I am going to start saving them in a ziplock just for this purpose 🙂
Deep Web says
For the chicken part of the recipe. It says canned roasted tomatoes but under instructions it says sundried tomatoes. Which is correct, canned roasted or sundried (not talking about the noodle part, I know that’s sundried)?
Create Kids Club says
Hello – Which recipe are you referring to? Your question is asked on the Mexican Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole, but there are no tomatoes in this recipe, or noodles. Let me know which recipe your wondering about and I am happy to clarify! Thanks!
Mary says
This recipes was fantastic, it disappeared quickly!
Michael Smoot says
Awesome recipe! Loved it and it gives you a base to add heat or just keep it mild! This just got added to our favorite recipe folder. What a fantastic way to use those tortilla chips in the bottom of the bag!