Description
This 4-Ingredient Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a quick and easy dinner option bursting with smoky flavors, creamy plant-based cheese, and tender shredded chicken layered between soft tortillas. It’s a comforting and family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups plant-based cheese (melting variety)
- 6 flour tortillas (or gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free option)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet, then let it cool and chop into bite-sized pieces to add smoky flavor and crunch.
- Layer Your Casserole: Grease a baking dish and lay a few tortillas on the bottom to cover the base completely. Spread half of the shredded chicken evenly over the tortillas, sprinkle with half of the chopped bacon, and add a generous handful of plant-based cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining tortillas, chicken, bacon, and finish with a top layer of cheese to create a golden crust when baked.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese will melt into a luscious gooey layer and the tortilla edges will get crispy and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly, ensuring clean slices and well-developed flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use warm tortillas for easier layering and to prevent tearing.
- Shred chicken finely to distribute protein evenly in every bite.
- Do not skip resting to ensure better casserole texture and cleaner slices.
- Pre-cook smoked turkey bacon thoroughly for crunchy texture contrast.
- If the chicken seems dry, toss briefly in a bit of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) before layering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, quesadilla casserole, easy dinner, plant-based cheese, weeknight meal, smoky chicken bake