Name: Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken or leftovers); 1 cup salsa, divided (or substitute with taco sauce or enchilada sauce); 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend, divided; 6 flour tortillas; Fresh cilantro; Sliced green onions; Sliced olives; Sliced tomatoes; Diced avocado; Guacamole; Sour cream; Salsa; Fresh lime wedges

If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight, you’ve got to try this Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines all those classic quesadilla flavors into a cheesy, comforting casserole that practically makes itself. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of those go-to recipes you turn to again and again.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 4 Ingredients: It’s a total lifesaver when you need something quick without a bunch of shopping or fuss.
Family-Friendly: Everyone I’ve served it to asks for seconds — even picky eaters!
Versatile Flavors: You can easily swap salsa types or cheese to match what you have on hand.
Super Easy to Assemble: It’s one of those recipes where you mix, layer, and bake — no complicated steps.

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface holding one slice of a layered tortilla dish with four visible layers of tortilla and a filling of shredded meat mixed with sauce, topped with melted cheese that is light golden and slightly bubbly. On top of the slice is a fresh layer of chopped green lettuce, bright red cherry tomato halves, small green onion pieces, and chunky reddish salsa. On the right side of the plate, there are two lime wedges. A silver fork rests on the plate at the front left, with its tines near the food. In the background, there is a white bowl full of yellow tortilla chips and a small white bowl of red salsa, along with a blurred white bowl of more chopped lettuce and a small dark bowl of cherry tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Quesadilla Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipes, weeknight casserole, chicken and cheese bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you keep ingredients simple and fresh, the flavors really shine through in this dish. Here’s what you’ll want to have in your kitchen to make this Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe a breeze.

Flat lay of diced cooked chicken in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red salsa, a small white bowl holding bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a stack of fresh, soft flour tortillas slightly fanned out, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Quesadilla Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipes, weeknight casserole, chicken and cheese bake

Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here, or any leftover cooked chicken you have around.
Salsa: Use your favorite kind—mild, medium, or spicy. You can also try taco or enchilada sauce for a little twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend adds that perfect melty, gooey texture.
Flour Tortillas: Soft, flexible tortillas layer this casserole nicely and soak up all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how much room there is to make this Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe your own. Whether you’re catering to different tastes or making a healthier version, it adapts beautifully.

Add Veggies: I’ve stirred in corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for a little extra texture and nutrition—a great way to sneak in veggies.
Spicy Kick: Swap salsa for a chipotle version or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mix if you like heat.
Cheese Variations: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese bring a nice creamy balance if cheddar feels too sharp.
Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or even make layers with thinly sliced zucchini for a grain-free version.

How to Make Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Chicken Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, toss the cooked chicken with half the salsa and half the cheese. This mix is where the gooey, flavorful magic starts—make sure the chicken is well coated.

Step 2: Layer Those Tortillas and Chicken

Lay two tortillas in the bottom of your baking dish, tearing them to fit snugly as needed. I like to overlap pieces slightly to cover any gaps—no tortilla should peek through. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly on top, then drizzle with a bit of the remaining salsa. Repeat the layers with two more tortillas and the rest of the chicken mixture, finishing with the last two tortillas on top.

Step 3: Bake and Add the Final Cheese Layer

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let everything cook and meld together. Then, take off the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. This last step is what really turns the casserole into a cheesy masterpiece.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Then cut into hearty squares and add your favorite toppings—fresh cilantro, sliced olives, or a dollop of sour cream are favorites around my table.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe

Use Leftover Chicken: This is the ultimate leftover hero—I always keep cooked chicken on hand so this comes together in a flash.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set up, making it easier to cut neat squares.
Layer Thoughtfully: Tear tortillas to cover the dish completely—no one likes encountering a crunchy bite of dry tortilla.
Watch Your Bake Time: Bake covered first to steam everything, then uncover to melt and crisp the cheese without drying out the casserole.

How to Serve Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a layered dish with four clear layers: the first layer is a soft tortilla in light beige, topped with shredded cooked chicken in light brown; the second layer is another tortilla; the third is melted golden-yellow cheese with a creamy texture; the fourth layer consists of fresh bright green lettuce, bright red halved cherry tomatoes, green sliced chives, and a small spoonful of chunky red salsa on top. A silver fork lies on the plate's edge. The background shows a white marbled surface with out-of-focus bowls of salsa, chips, and lettuce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Quesadilla Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipes, weeknight casserole, chicken and cheese bake

Garnishes

I like to top my servings with fresh cilantro, a few slices of ripe avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for that creamy, cooling contrast. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime juice really brightens up the rich, cheesy layers. If you like a little extra color or texture, sliced green onions or chopped tomatoes are fantastic too.

Side Dishes

Pairing this casserole with a simple side salad or some homemade guacamole makes it feel like a complete meal. I often serve it alongside Mexican street corn or a bowl of black bean soup for a fun Tex-Mex feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special dinners, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for easy personal servings. It’s also fun to let guests customize their scoops with a toppings bar featuring olives, jalapeños, and diced onions. This dish is so colorful and cheesy, it always looks inviting straight out of the oven.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats beautifully for up to 3 days—just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, I recommend assembling it but skipping the final cheese topping before freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake with the cheese on top added fresh before the final bake.

Reheating

To keep the casserole from drying out, cover it loosely with foil when reheating in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If using a microwave, sprinkle a little extra salsa or cheese over the top to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring a slightly different texture and taste, but they work great in this casserole. Just be sure to soften them slightly beforehand by warming or briefly frying so they layer nicely and don’t break apart.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead, store portions in the fridge or freezer, and reheat during the week. It keeps well without losing flavor or texture.
Can I add beans or veggies?

Definitely! Black beans, corn, peppers, or even spinach mix in well with the chicken. Just fold them into the chicken and salsa mixture before layering for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use for this casserole?

I love sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for meltiness and flavor. If you want a little spice, pepper jack is a great choice, too. Avoid pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents—they don’t melt as well.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Quesadilla Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug after a long day—it’s easy, quick, and so darn delicious. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a cozy meal that everyone enjoys. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken quesadillas with less fuss and more flavor.