If you are craving a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, this Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly blends tender shredded chicken seasoned with zesty spices, creamy layers of cheese, vibrant greens, and hearty beans and corn—all stacked between soft tortillas. This dish brings together the best of Mexican flavors in a luscious, cheesy casserole that’s both satisfying and full of colorful, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a family dinner, this Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe promises a fiesta of tastes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for a deliciously layered experience. Each element adds its own layer of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 pound shredded rotisserie chicken: Fully cooked and packed with flavor, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds savory richness.
- 12 (6-inch) Old El Paso soft tortillas: Soft tortillas act as the perfect layers, replacing traditional pasta with tender, pliable wraps.
- 1 ounce Old El Paso Taco Seasoning (1 packet): Infuses the chicken with classic Mexican spices for authentic taste.
- 15 ounces canned black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds protein, fiber, and a hearty texture to each layer.
- 15 ounces canned corn (1 can, drained and rinsed): Provides a sweet crunch that balances the savory components.
- 5 ounces baby spinach: A fresh green vegetable that contributes earthiness and helps lighten the dish.
- 1 cup fresh cilantro: Brings bright, herbaceous notes essential to Mexican cuisine.
- 1 cup salsa: Combines tomatoes and spices to add moisture and tanginess.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, delicious layers throughout.
How to Make Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the casserole bakes evenly. Meanwhile, spray a casserole dish lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with the taco seasoning. Mixing these well lets the chicken soak up the bold, spicy flavors that make this Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Blend the Greens and Salsa
In a food processor or blender, pulse together the baby spinach, fresh cilantro, and salsa until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined. This vibrant green salsa mixture adds moisture and a fresh herbal kick to the layers.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
Lay down 6 of the soft tortillas on the bottom of your casserole dish, slightly overlapping them to create a solid base. Then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheese, followed by half the black beans, half the corn, and half the seasoned chicken. Spoon on half of the spinach-salsa blend, spreading it evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Build the Second Layer
Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, followed by beans, corn, chicken, and the rest of the green salsa mixture. Finish by topping everything with the remaining shredded cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Your Lasagna
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step melts the cheese and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, creating that perfect slightly crispy, cheesy finish.
Step 7: Serve with Flair
Once out of the oven, your Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe is ready to be shared! Let it rest for a few minutes, so it sets perfectly and slices cleanly.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can turn this dish from great to unforgettable. A few sliced jalapeños offer a spicy punch, while dollops of creamy Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream tone down heat and add a silky texture. Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous brightness.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve this lasagna alongside light and fresh accompaniments. A crisp mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette complements the rich, cheesy layers, or consider a simple side of Mexican rice for an extra hearty touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, bake the lasagna in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for charming personal servings that wow guests. Alternatively, serve with vibrant bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, or avocado slices to elevate textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent odors from other foods from impacting the dish.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked lasagna either in the baking dish or cut into individual portions for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion well with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, making it easy to enjoy this tasty meal later without extra work.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator and warm in an oven set to 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. If reheating directly from the fridge, cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is also an option for quick reheats, but it may soften the crispy top.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, cook and shred it before mixing with the taco seasoning. Rotisserie chicken just speeds up prep without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for the Old El Paso taco seasoning?
You can make your own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano to achieve a similar Mexican flavor if you don’t have the boxed seasoning handy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of soft corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work well and provide a softer texture. Just be sure to layer evenly and don’t overfill to avoid sogginess.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild to moderate, depending largely on your choice of salsa and taco seasoning. You can control the heat by selecting mild or hot salsa and adjusting garnishes like jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and festive about this Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe that makes it a definite keeper in your recipe box. It’s a tasty, layered kaleidoscope of textures, colors, and flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make. So next time you want a fun twist on dinner that will delight family and friends, dive into this recipe and watch it disappear from the table with smiles all around!
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Mexican Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 44 minutes
- Total Time: 59 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 pieces)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Chicken Lasagna is a flavorful and hearty casserole that layers tender shredded rotisserie chicken, soft tortillas, seasoned black beans, corn, a fresh spinach-cilantro salsa, and melted Mexican blend cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect fusion of classic lasagna structure with vibrant Mexican ingredients, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shredded rotisserie chicken (fully cooked)
- 12 (6-inch) Old El Paso soft tortillas
- 1 ounce Old El Paso Taco Seasoning (1 packet)
- 15 ounces canned black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounces canned corn (1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
For Serving
- Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the lasagna layers.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish thoroughly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded rotisserie chicken with the packet of taco seasoning until the chicken is evenly coated. Set this mixture aside.
- Make Spinach-Cilantro Salsa: Using a food processor or blender, combine baby spinach, fresh cilantro, and salsa. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are finely chopped and well blended into a vibrant green salsa.
- First Tortilla Layer: Place 6 tortillas on the bottom of the casserole dish, overlapping slightly to cover the base completely.
- Add Fillings – First Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the tortillas, then evenly spread half of the black beans, half of the corn, and half of the seasoned chicken. Pour half of the spinach-cilantro salsa over the chicken to top the layer.
- Second Tortilla Layer: Repeat the layering process starting with the remaining 6 tortillas, followed by the rest of the black beans, corn, seasoned chicken, and the remaining spinach mixture. Finish with the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, place it in the preheated oven, and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the casserole is heated through.
- Bake Uncovered for Finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is nicely browned to your preference.
- Serve: Let the Mexican Chicken Lasagna cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and a dollop of Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Use fully cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavor.
- Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the salsa or adding more jalapeños.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the beans and vegetables.
