Chicken Tortilla Bake

Indulge in the best of both worlds with this delightful Chicken Tortilla Bake – a delightful combination of enchiladas and lasagna in one delicious casserole. This Mexican-inspired dish offers all the beloved flavors of the traditional staple, along with the convenience of a layered lasagna. Created by the talented Taste of Home Test Kitchen, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a scrumptious and hassle-free meal option. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this Chicken Tortilla Bake is sure to win hearts with its mouthwatering taste and ease of preparation.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (14½ ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, drained
• 8 flour tortillas (8 inches), cut into 1-inch strips
• 1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the chicken, ground cumin, and salt in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the chicken is no longer pink.
2. Combine the refried beans and diced tomatoes with mild green chilies. Spread 1 cup of this mixture into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish.
3. Top with 24 tortilla strips, creating the first layer. Then, layer with half of the Mexicorn, bean mixture, sautéed chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat the layers for added flavor and texture.
5. Use the remaining tortilla strips to create a lattice crust over the filling. Brush the lattice with the remaining teaspoon of olive oil.
6. Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through, and the cheese is melted.

YIELD: 6 servings

BAKE TIME: 25-30 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months before baking it. Ensure it is covered appropriately before freezing.
• When using the frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking according to the given directions.

TIPS:

• Customize the dish by adding your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• For a spicier version, use diced tomatoes with hot green chilies instead of mild ones.

Chicken Tortilla Bake is a brilliant fusion of two beloved cuisines – Mexican and Italian, brought together in one fantastic casserole. With its tender chunks of chicken, the bold flavor of ground cumin, and the creaminess of refried beans, this dish embodies the essence of Mexican cuisine. Simultaneously, the layers of flour tortillas and melted cheddar cheese provide the delightful familiarity of a classic Italian lasagna.

The convenience and ease of preparation make this recipe a true winner, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or contributing a dish to a potluck event. The flavors will delight both young and old, making it a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings and parties.

One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility. While the provided instructions result in a scrumptious casserole, you can unleash your creativity by incorporating your favorite toppings or adding other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Sliced jalapeños can bring some heat to the dish, diced avocado can add a creamy touch, and a dollop of sour cream can enhance the overall flavor.

Additionally, the make-ahead and freezing options provide great convenience for busy schedules. By freezing the casserole, you can easily plan for future meals or surprise guests with a delicious homemade dish without the need for extensive preparation.

In conclusion, Chicken Tortilla Bake is a delightful and crowd-pleasing recipe that brings the best of Mexican and Italian flavors together in one fantastic casserole. Its simple preparation, along with the option to freeze ahead, makes it a convenient choice for home cooks looking to delight their loved ones with a hearty and delicious meal. So, embrace the fusion of flavors, get creative with toppings, and enjoy the delightful medley of tastes that this Chicken Tortilla Bake offers.