Chicken Mexicali
A hearty Mexican-inspired casserole featuring shredded chicken, crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and a flavorful tomato and green chili sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken; remove skin and bones, then break into pieces.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange tortilla chips on the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover the tortilla chips with the broken pieces of cooked chicken.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to make a liquid mixture.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the liquid mixture, then pour it over the chicken and chips in the dish.
- Sprinkle grated Longhorn cheese on top of the mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute. Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, if Longhorn cheese is unavailable. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use spicy tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Mexicali with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs beautifully with Cheesy Mexican Chicken 'N Rice for a comforting feast. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or sour cream for added richness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Chicken Mexicali to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mexicali contains roughly 447 calories, with 12g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1637mg per serving (71% 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 different types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
Can I freeze Chicken Mexicali?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Prepare the recipe and let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with Chicken Mexicali?
Consider serving it with tortilla salad or refried beans for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with a side of guacamole and chips or a simple corn salad to balance the flavors.
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).