This Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole is easy and healthy, uses only five ingredients, and has shredded zucchini added for a boost of nutritious hidden veggies! Packed with cheese, green salsa verde, chicken, zucchini, and corn tortillas, you'll love how easy it is to assemble an enchilada casserole with no tortilla rolling required!
2cupsgrated zucchini(from about 2 small or 1 large)
2cupssalsa verde(green salsa, see notes)
16oz.shredded Monterey jack cheese (or other Mexican-style melting cheese of choice)
cilantro and red onion(for serving, optional)
Instructions
Grate the zucchini (I used a box grater) onto a clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin (see notes). Spread it out in a thin layer across the towel and sprinkle with a pinch of the salt. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes (the salt will draw the water out).
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Stack the corn tortillasand cut into four quadrants, making them similar to a tortilla chip.
Roll the grated zucchini up in the towel and wring out as much water as possible over your sink.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken with ¾ cup of the salsa verde, half of the cheese, and the grated zucchini. If you chose to toast the tortillas, remove them from the oven.
Spread about ½ cup of the salsa verde on the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer ⅓ of the tortillas (20 cut pieces) evenly across it. Add half the chicken and zucchini mixture and spread out. Add another ⅓ (20 pieces) of the tortillas and the rest of the chicken mixture. Add the remaining ⅓ of the corn tortillas, spread the remaining ¾ cup of salsa verde on top, and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees F for about 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is fully heated through. Top with cilantro and red onion (optional) and cut into 8 portions to serve.
Video
Notes
Make ahead instructions: assemble the casserole as instructed, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Bake as instructed, adding 10 minutes extra time since it will be cold. Keep the foil on for those 10 minutes in the beginning, or longer if necessary, so it doesn't dry out too much.
Make it lighter: I originally made this recipe with half the cheese and chicken breast meat only, which is what the photos and video represent. When I wrote the recipe I used 16 oz. instead of 8 oz. since it was a bit dry for my taste with only 8 oz. I also recommend chicken thighs or a mixture of dark and light meat. If you're looking for a lighter version, feel free to use 8 oz. instead of 16 oz. cheese and breast meat!
Flour tortillas may be used instead of corn and will hold up better in the casserole, but I prefer corn for the flavor. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free and whole grain.
You can find green salsa, or salsa verde, in your grocery store with the other jarred salsas. It may be labeled as tomatillo salsa, or something similar. Any kind of green salsa will work here. Or here's a homemade salsa verde recipe if you're so inclined.