Chicken Mexicali Casserole
Chicken Mexicali Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and cheesy macaroni with a hint of Mexican seasoning. Perfect for families or gatherings, this comforting casserole is sure to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cooked, chopped chicken ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 or 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1 or 2 Tbsp. Schilling Mexican Seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. large shell macaroni ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 c. grated cheese
- 1 small jar diced pimientos ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and celery in butter.
- Add soups, parsley, and seasoning; mix well.
- Cook macaroni in chicken broth, adding water if necessary. Do not drain.
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Mix chicken, macaroni, soup mixture, and pimiento.
- Pour into prepared dish and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the soup mixture. If you don't have large shell macaroni, any pasta shape will work in a pinch. For a kick of flavor, substitute the parsley with cilantro or add diced jalapeños if you enjoy spice. This Chicken Mexicali Casserole can easily be adapted with leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken recipes you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Mexicali Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole or a simple green salad for a light contrast. You can also serve it alongside chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal. For more variety, check out similar Mexican recipes that incorporate chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mexicali Casserole contains roughly 369 calories, with 12g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1157mg per serving (50% 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 freeze Chicken Mexicali Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of celery soup. Both will maintain the casserole's creaminess while adding a different flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Chicken Mexicali Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the soups and seasonings are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without the gluten.
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).