Chicken Chiliquillas
Creamy chicken chiliquillas feature crispy tortillas layered with flavorful chicken, cheese, and chilies, topped with fresh tomato and lettuce—perfect for a comforting Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place tortillas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F, turning once, until crisp.
- Set aside and preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chopped green chilies, and chicken broth.
- Pour some soup mixture into the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Break up 2 tortillas and layer over the soup.
- Sprinkle with chopped onion and top with one-third of the cooked chicken.
- Add one-third cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a cheese layer. Cover and bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Serve topped with chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, and pass with salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the soup mixture. If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute. In place of shredded Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice flavor twist. For a lighter version, swap the cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce using Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Chiliquillas with a side of refried beans or rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with salsa on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Topped with avocado or guacamole adds a creamy texture that complements the dish well. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Chiliquillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chiliquillas contains roughly 667 calories, with 18g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2564mg per serving (111% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor to the dish. Simply shred the chicken before layering it in the casserole. This is an excellent way to utilize leftover chicken from meals like Mexican Chicken.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Chiliquillas, substitute the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for a cream of mushroom soup for the base.
What can I serve with Chicken Chiliquillas?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with sides like Mexican street corn or a simple salad with lime vinaigrette. For a satisfying finish, consider serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
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).