Chicken Chipulos
A hearty and cheesy chicken casserole with green chilies and creamy soups, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 (12.75 oz.) can chicken breast, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) ctn. sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups (16 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 package (23.5 oz.) burrito size flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained chicken breasts, diced green chilies, diced onion, and sour cream in a medium-sized bowl.
- Rip the burrito-sized flour tortillas into bite-sized pieces and layer one-third onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortilla layer, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about one hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little milk or chicken broth to the mixture. You can substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add crushed tortilla chips in between layers. This dish also works well with leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Chipulos with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top. Consider serving it with a side of refried beans or Mexican rice for a complete feast. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can be easily doubled.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chipulos contains roughly 447 calories, with 16g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% 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 fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded fresh chicken instead of canned. Simply cook the chicken breasts, shred them, and mix them into the sauce. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it even more satisfying.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, use spicy diced green chilies or add jalapeños to the mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder in the chicken mixture or cheese layer for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble Chicken Chipulos a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it goes into the oven cold.
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).