Hey guys! Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! Today, we're diving into a chicken tortilla lasagna recipe that's guaranteed to become a household favorite. This dish is a fantastic twist on traditional lasagna, swapping out pasta sheets for tortillas and layering in a savory chicken mixture, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Trust me; it’s a crowd-pleaser! So, grab your aprons, and let’s get cooking!

Why This Chicken Tortilla Lasagna Rocks

So, why should you try this chicken tortilla lasagna? Well, for starters, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a perfect way to use up leftovers. Plus, it's a great option for a weeknight meal because it's relatively quick to assemble. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Another reason to love this dish is its family-friendly appeal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the combination of flavors and textures. The layers of tortillas, creamy chicken filling, and melted cheese create a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. And let's not forget the fun factor – layering the ingredients is almost like building a delicious edible tower!

Lastly, this chicken tortilla lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble it in advance and bake it when you're ready to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start cooking, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need for this chicken tortilla lasagna recipe:

• Cooked Chicken: About 3 cups, shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your chicken breasts.
• Tortillas: 8-10 medium-sized flour or corn tortillas.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (any color).
• Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained.
• Corn: 1 can (15 ounces), drained.
• Salsa: 1 jar (16 ounces), your favorite kind.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup.
• Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend).
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
• Optional Toppings: Avocado, cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, etc.

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. Chopping the vegetables and shredding the chicken beforehand will make the assembly process much smoother. Trust me, a little prep work goes a long way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and start building our chicken tortilla lasagna. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for our entire dish. Nobody wants crunchy onions, so make sure they're nice and soft.

Next, add the shredded chicken and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the seasoning. The taco seasoning will infuse the chicken with that classic Tex-Mex flavor that we all know and love. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a pinch of chili powder or cumin for an extra kick.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a tangy and creamy element to our lasagna, complementing the savory chicken filling perfectly. Make sure your cream cheese is softened; otherwise, you'll end up with a lumpy mess.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Now comes the fun part: layering! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the dish. This will add moisture and flavor to the bottom layer of tortillas. Then, place 2-3 tortillas over the salsa, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish.

Next, spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the chicken filling, black beans, and corn. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, cream cheese mixture, chicken filling, black beans, corn, and another 1/3 of the shredded cheese.

Top with the remaining tortillas, salsa, and the remaining shredded cheese. Make sure the top layer is evenly covered with cheese – this will create that golden, bubbly crust that we all crave.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. The foil helps to trap the moisture and prevent the top from burning, while removing it allows the cheese to get nice and golden brown.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when you slice it. Trust me, patience is a virtue in this step!

Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeños. And there you have it – a delicious chicken tortilla lasagna that's sure to impress!

Tips and Variations

Want to take your chicken tortilla lasagna to the next level? Here are some tips and variations to try:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken filling for an extra kick.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms, to the chicken filling.
• Use Different Meats: You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more beans, corn, and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or queso fresco.
• Add a Layer of Refried Beans: Spread a layer of refried beans between the tortillas for added flavor and texture.
• Use Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Just be aware that corn tortillas can be more prone to cracking, so handle them gently.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken tortilla lasagna recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and savory lasagna.
• Guacamole and Chips: Serve with guacamole and tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex feast.
• Mexican Rice: Add a side of Mexican rice for a heartier meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly with lasagna.
• Salsa and Sour Cream: Offer extra salsa and sour cream for topping.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

One of the great things about this chicken tortilla lasagna is that it can be made ahead of time. To make it in advance, assemble the lasagna according to the instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover it with foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! A chicken tortilla lasagna recipe that's easy, delicious, and customizable. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just need a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!