Chicken And Chiles Casserole
A flavorful chicken casserole with melted mozzarella, green chiles, mushrooms, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a mild spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper.
- Place in a lightly greased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Combine shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green chiles.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the chicken.
- Diced peeled tomatoes and sprinkle on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped green chiles.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Serve over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lime juice and garlic before baking. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can use jalapeño peppers instead of green chiles. Additionally, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with cheddar for a different flavor profile. Be sure to use fresh tomatoes for a brighter taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken and Chiles Casserole pairs beautifully with hot rice, which helps soak up the creamy sauce. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, would complement the dish well. For a complete meal, consider serving with cornbread, like Easy Corn Bread Dressing, for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are evenly heated to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Chiles Casserole contains roughly 299 calories, with 16g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking. This will ensure even cooking and better absorption of flavors from the seasoning and toppings.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want a healthier option, you can make a homemade cream of chicken substitute using chicken broth, milk, and a roux (flour and butter). Alternatively, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soups can also work well in this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).