Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna: A Flavor Fiesta!
Craving Mexican flavors with a comforting twist? Look no further! This Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. It’s a layered delight of juicy shredded chicken, vibrant corn and black beans, a tangy salsa, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Think of it as enchiladas meets lasagna, but easier and even more fun! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details and create this delicious masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple. There’s no complicated layering technique or fancy ingredients required. It’s all about assembling the ingredients and letting the oven do its magic.
* **Customizable:** This lasagna is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey, add different vegetables, or use your favorite type of cheese.
* **Packed with Flavor:** The combination of the seasoned chicken, the zesty salsa, and the creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Comfort Food with a Kick:** It has all the comforting elements of lasagna, but with a vibrant Mexican twist that makes it extra special.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them.
* **Tortillas:** 8-10 (6-inch) flour tortillas. Corn tortillas can be used, but flour tortillas are generally more pliable and hold up better in the lasagna.
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained.
* **Corn:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained. You can also use frozen corn, thawed.
* **Salsa:** 1 ½ cups your favorite salsa. Choose a mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your spice preference.
* **Cheese:** 3 cups shredded cheese. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a classic choice, but you can also use Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. This adds creaminess and richness to the lasagna.
* **Sour Cream:** ½ cup sour cream. This also adds to the creaminess and tanginess of the dish.
* **Chili Powder:** 1 tablespoon. This adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chicken mixture.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon. This complements the chili powder and enhances the Mexican flavors.
* **Garlic Powder:** ½ teaspoon. This adds a savory depth to the dish.
* **Onion Powder:** ½ teaspoon. Adds a subtle onion flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the chicken (if you’re not using rotisserie chicken).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. For seasoning the chicken and the lasagna.
* **Optional Toppings:** Chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, green onions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna:
**1. Prepare the Chicken (if needed):**
If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, you’ll need to cook the chicken breasts first.
* **Boiling:** Place the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Let cool slightly, then shred with two forks.
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then shred.
* **Sautéing:** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then shred.
**2. Season the Chicken:**
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. If you are using plain rotisserie chicken, this step is extra important to add flavor.
**3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:**
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sour cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add richness and tanginess to the lasagna.
**4. Assemble the Lasagna:**
* **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* **Grease the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* **Layer 1: Tortillas:** Place 2-3 tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping as needed to cover the entire surface. You may need to cut the tortillas to fit.
* **Layer 2: Chicken Mixture:** Spread about one-third of the seasoned chicken evenly over the tortillas.
* **Layer 3: Black Beans and Corn:** Sprinkle about one-third of the black beans and one-third of the corn over the chicken.
* **Layer 4: Salsa:** Drizzle about one-third of the salsa over the black beans and corn.
* **Layer 5: Cream Cheese Mixture:** Dollop about one-third of the cream cheese mixture over the salsa. Try to spread it as evenly as possible.
* **Layer 6: Cheese:** Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheese over the cream cheese mixture.
* **Repeat:** Repeat layers 1-6 two more times, using the remaining tortillas, chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, cream cheese mixture, and cheese. End with a final layer of tortillas topped with the remaining cheese.
**5. Bake the Lasagna:**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The lasagna should be heated through and the tortillas should be soft.
**6. Let it Rest:**
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
**7. Garnish and Serve:**
Cut the lasagna into squares and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and green onions.
Tips and Variations
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
* **Use Different Meats:** Substitute the chicken with ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded pork. Brown the meat and season it with taco seasoning before adding it to the lasagna.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the lasagna for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the layers.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more beans, corn, and vegetables. You can also add vegetarian ground crumbles for a protein boost.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the lasagna gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Freezing:** This lasagna freezes well. Assemble it, cool completely, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
* **Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut:** Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and season it with the spices.
* **Salsa Choice Matters:** The salsa you choose greatly impacts the flavor. A chunky salsa will add more texture, while a smoother salsa will blend in more seamlessly.
* **Prevent Soggy Tortillas:** Don’t over-saturate the tortillas with salsa or other liquids. A light drizzle is sufficient.
* **Toppings Galore:** Get creative with your toppings! Sliced jalapenos, pico de gallo, guacamole, and a drizzle of Mexican crema are all fantastic options.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with the following sides:
* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the lasagna.
* **Refried Beans:** Another traditional Mexican side dish that adds extra protein and fiber.
* **Guacamole and Tortilla Chips:** A crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs perfectly with the lasagna.
* **Mexican Salad:** A refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a zesty dressing.
* **Elote (Mexican Street Corn):** Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Enjoy Your Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna!
This Mexican Chicken Tortilla Lasagna is a delicious, easy, and customizable dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its vibrant flavors and comforting texture, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a flavor fiesta! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!