Chicken Con Queso
Creamy chicken and cheese layered casserole with green chilis, green onions, and crushed Doritos, perfect for a flavorful family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken until meat is no longer pink.
- Drain and chop or tear into pieces.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, grated cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, diced green chili peppers, and chopped green onion; blend together.
- In a 3-quart casserole, put 1/3 cup crushed Doritos on the bottom.
- Top with chicken, then 1/2 cup of the soup mixture.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more evaporated milk or cream cheese. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or use a blend of cheeses for more complexity. If you want extra spice, add jalapeños or use spicy diced green chili peppers. This dish is also great for using up leftover cooked chicken from recipes like Michael'S Mexican Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Con Queso with a side of Quick Spanish Rice And Meat for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or guacamole can also complement the dish nicely. For a fun twist, offer additional crushed Doritos or tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch. This tasty casserole is perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Con Queso contains roughly 410 calories, with 19g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure proper cooking time and flavor. However, if you prefer to use raw chicken, you can cook it in the soup mixture for longer, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with Chicken Con Queso?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican Fried Chicken or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with homemade guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
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).