Description
You’ll crave this easy spicy ranch chicken tortilla casserole! Layers of tender chicken, zesty ranch, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese bake into the ultimate comforting, flavor-packed dinner.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Ranch Chicken Filling:
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4 cups (about 1.5 lbs / 680g) cooked chicken, shredded
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1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
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1 cup (240ml) spicy red enchilada sauce or taco sauce
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1 (8 oz / 225g) block full-fat cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (120ml) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
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2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for mild heat, finely diced
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1 (4 oz / 113g) can diced green chiles, undrained
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Juice of 1 lime
For the Layer Ingredients:
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10–12 soft taco-size flour or corn tortillas (corn tortillas should be warmed)
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1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
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1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn, thawed
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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½ cup finely diced red onion
For the Cheese & Crunchy Topping:
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3 cups (12 oz / 340g) freshly shredded Pepper Jack cheese
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2 cups (8 oz / 225g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1 ½ cups crushed tortilla chips (restaurant-style)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Cool Finish & Garnish:
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1 cup ranch dressing, for drizzling
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 avocado, diced
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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Extra lime wedges, for serving
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Pickled jalapeño slices (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Create the Spicy Ranch Chicken Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and dry ranch seasoning. Beat with a mixer or stir vigorously until smooth. Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced fresh jalapeños, undrained green chiles, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Fold in the shredded chicken until evenly and thoroughly coated. This is your flavor-packed filling.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas (If Using Corn)
If using corn tortillas, wrap a stack of 5-6 in a damp paper towel and microwave for 45-60 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking. Flour tortillas can be used as-is.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Spread about ½ cup of the spicy chicken mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange a layer of tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly and tearing some to fit, to create a complete base layer.
Step 4: Build the First Flavor Stratum
Spread one-third of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with one-third of the black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and red onion. Sprinkle with 1 cup of Pepper Jack cheese and ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Add another layer of tortillas. Spread with another third of the chicken mixture, another third of the vegetables and beans, and another 1 cup of Pepper Jack and ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and the remaining vegetables and beans.
Step 6: Apply the Final Cheese Layer and Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Pepper Jack and 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the crushed tortilla chips with the melted butter and ½ tsp chili powder. Sprinkle this buttery chip mixture evenly over the cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbling, Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the tortilla chip topping is golden.
Step 8: Garnish with Cool, Fresh Toppings
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. This rest is crucial for the layers to set. Before serving, drizzle generously with ranch dressing. Garnish lavishly with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños (if using). Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
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9×13 inch baking dish
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Large mixing bowl
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Hand mixer or sturdy whisk
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Cheese grater
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Aluminum foil
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1600mg
- Fat: 46g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 42g