Chicken Mana
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with green chiles and tortillas, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that love bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream of chicken soup, canned milk, and chopped green chiles in a bowl.
- Layer in a crock-pot: start with the soup mixture, then tortillas, shredded chicken, grated cheese, chopped onion, the soup mixture again, and finish with tortillas and cheese on top.
- Cover with the lid and cook on medium heat for several hours until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture. If you want to spice things up, you can use spicy green chiles or add jalapeños. Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different flavor or texture. This dish can also be made with leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Browse more Mexican recipes for more great ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Mana with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Enchiladas Verde for a complete Mexican feast or can be enjoyed on its own for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mana contains roughly 573 calories, with 32g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1482mg per serving (64% 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 make Chicken Mana ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Mana in advance. Assemble the layers in the crock-pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, simply place it in the slow cooker and adjust the cooking time as necessary. This can enhance the flavors, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you want a healthier option, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute it with a mix of chicken broth and a little cornstarch for thickening. Alternatively, a creamy mushroom soup can also work well in this recipe for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze Chicken Mana?
Yes, Chicken Mana freezes well. After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in the oven or microwave until warm.
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).