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To make a delicious Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Casserole, you need the right ingredients. Here’s the list: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend - 1 cup salsa - 8 large flour tortillas - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream (for serving) - Avocado, diced (for serving) These ingredients create a burst of flavors. The chicken gives protein, while beans add fiber. Corn adds sweetness, and cheese brings that melty goodness we all love. Salsa adds a zesty kick. When you layer these in tortillas, it forms a cozy and tasty dish. You can find the complete recipe in the Full Recipe section. Enjoy cooking this fun and easy meal! First, gather your ingredients to make the process smooth. You need cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, salsa, tortillas, and spices. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything blends well. This step adds great flavor to your casserole. Next, prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Now, it’s time to layer the tortillas and the mixture. Place one tortilla in the dish. Spoon some of the chicken and cheese mix over it. Then, add another tortilla. Repeat this layering until you run out of ingredients. Always finish with a tortilla on top. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheese on the top tortilla. This will create a nice, cheesy crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top. That’s when you know it’s ready. Let your casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set. Then, cut it into squares. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream on the side. These add flavor and color to your dish. For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. Enjoy your Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Casserole Delight! To make your quesadilla casserole shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh chicken adds great flavor. Shred it finely for even mixing. Ensure your tortillas are soft. If they are too stiff, they won’t layer well. Warm them for a few seconds in the microwave. This helps them bend without tearing. Spread the filling evenly between each layer. It allows every bite to taste amazing. Garnishes can elevate your dish. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor. Diced avocado gives a creamy texture. A dollop of sour cream adds richness. You can also add sliced jalapeños for some heat. Try serving it on colorful plates for a fun look. This makes your casserole more appealing and enjoyable. Cook your casserole at the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. This ensures even cooking. Remove the foil to get a crispy top. Let it rest for five minutes after baking. This helps the layers set. Cut into squares for neat servings. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking journey! {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Use shredded beef or pork instead of chicken. You can even try ground turkey or sausage for a different taste. If you want a plant-based option, use lentils or tofu. Each protein adds its unique flavor. Just make sure to cook it well before mixing it into the casserole. For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and add more beans. You can use pinto beans, chickpeas, or even tofu. Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition. This keeps the dish filling and tasty. You won’t miss the meat when you enjoy this version. If you love heat, add jalapeños or chili flakes to the mix. You can also use spicy salsa or hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika or chipotle powder. Adjust the spices to your liking, and feel free to mix and match. Each change gives you a new twist on this classic dish. For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Reheat leftover casserole in the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps it crispy. To freeze the quesadilla casserole, cut it into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check the main article. Yes, you can use any cheese you like. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella work well. Each cheese brings its own taste and meltiness. If you want a bit of spice, try pepper jack cheese. Mix and match your favorite types to create a unique flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount around two cups. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are tasty and hold up well in the casserole. Check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. Most salsa and canned beans are safe, but it’s good to verify. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just follow the recipe until the baking step. Cover the dish well and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy to serve on busy nights. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. You've learned how to make a delicious casserole with simple ingredients. We covered key steps like prepping, baking, and adding final touches. Tips for perfecting your dish and variations let you customize to your taste. Proper storage advice ensures you enjoy every bite later. With these insights, you can create a meal everyone will love. Have fun cooking!

Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla Casserole

Delight your family with this easy cheesy chicken quesadilla casserole recipe! Packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a gooey cheese blend, it's a flavorful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Ready in just under an hour, you won't want to miss out!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 cup salsa

8 large flour tortillas

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

Avocado, diced (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

      Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

        Start by placing a tortilla on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture over the tortilla, then top it with another tortilla. Repeat this layering process until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a tortilla on top.

          Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top of the last tortilla.

            Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

              After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares.

                  Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream on the side.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 6-8 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Cut the casserole into squares and serve on colorful plates. Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro and some avocado slices on top for a fresh look.