Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

We have another winner in the fast-and-flavorful weeknight meals category. Salsa verde chicken casserole is a savory, cheesy dish you can tweak to your liking. For ease, it uses store-bought ingredients like rotisserie chicken, green tomatillo salsa, sour cream, tortillas and cheese, but feel free to level up with homemade chicken, sauce and tortillas if you have the time.

Layering everything in a casserole dish and popping it in the oven means a fuss-free dinner for the family. It’s also a great idea for meal prepping (and freezing) for the weeks ahead. Serve it with your favorite toppings, from extra sour cream to avocado.

Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken: Save time by shredding store-bought rotisserie chicken, or make a chicken verde casserole with leftover country roasted chicken or oven-roasted chicken breast. The recipe doesn’t specify white or dark meat so use whichever you prefer, but know that dark meat might stay a little juicier.
• Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream tempers the acidic salsa (and the spice, if you use a spicy salsa), making a creamy, comforting casserole. Save extra to top each serving.
• Salsa verde: Tart and tangy salsa verde is made primarily with tomatillos, a green fruit in the tomato family, plus chiles, garlic and onion. It can be spicy or mild.
• Corn tortillas: Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make corn tortillas from scratch. If you prefer flour tortillas, use those instead.
• Chopped tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes add a fresh bite to the casserole. You can use full-size or cherry tomatoes. If you use canned diced tomatoes, drain them so there isn’t too much liquid in the casserole. Save the juices for a soup or vinaigrette salad dressing.
• Cilantro: Cilantro brings a bright, refreshing flavor to the table. If you’re one of the many who think cilantro tastes like soap, opt for parsley instead.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack is a great melting cheese for gooey layers in a casserole. If you like spice, use pepper jack cheese. You could also sub in cheddar.
• Optional toppings: You can top this casserole with extra salsa and cilantro, avocado or thinly sliced green onion.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the chicken filling

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream and 3/4 cup salsa.

Step 2: Create the casserole

Spread 1/4 cup salsa on the bottom of a greased 8-inch square baking dish.

Lay half the tortillas on top of the salsa, then layer half the chicken mixture, half the tomatoes, all the minced cilantro and half the cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, tomatoes and cheese.

Step 3: Bake and serve

Bake, uncovered, until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with the remaining salsa and toppings of your choice.

Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole Variations

• Swap in a different kind of salsa: For a change, make this casserole with red tomato salsa, or get even more creative and try it with corn salsa or mango salsa.
• Change the meat: This dish would be just as good made with shredded turkey or pork. You can also make a meat-free version using black beans.
• Add more veggies: Toss the tomatoes with other veggies, including chopped red, orange or yellow bell peppers, zucchini, sliced mushrooms or baby spinach, and use the combo to make the veggie layer.
• Give it a kick: Add a can of jalapeno or some fresh minced jalapeno to the chicken mixture, sprinkle on some cayenne or chipotle powder, or stir in some hot sauce. If you like it really fiery, do all the above.

How to Store Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

Store the chicken verde casserole directly in its dish or any airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to four days.

Can you freeze verde chicken casserole?

Yes, chicken verde casserole is a good candidate for freezing. You can construct the casserole, wrap it tightly and freeze it, and then thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Or, you can portion out units of the leftover cooked casserole and freeze them for later. Either way, store salsa verde chicken casserole in the freezer for up to three months.

How do you reheat verde chicken casserole?

Reheat salsa verde chicken casserole in a 350° oven until warm, or pop individual portions in the microwave, cover, and heat until warm and gooey.

Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole Tips

What can you serve with salsa verde chicken casserole?

This casserole packs in protein, starch and veggies, but since you can never have too many vegetables, it’s always great to serve it with a side salad or some Thomas Keller zucchini. A side of black beans or esquites goes well with the dish. You could also go big on toppings and include sour cream, extra types of salsa, toasted pumpkin seeds or guacamole. To drink, try a Tajin limeade or Texas Red River margarita. In the morning, warm up a piece of casserole and top it with a fried or poached egg.