Chiquita Chicken
Creamy chicken and cheese layered with crispy tortilla strips, green chilies, and savory soups, baked to perfection—ideal for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté the chopped onion in oil until softened.
- Add the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups to the sautéed onion.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add milk and shredded Cheddar cheese; stir until cheese is melted.
- Stir in chicken broth and diced green chili peppers.
- Place a layer of tortilla strips on the bottom of a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Pour some sauce over the tortilla strips and add a layer of cooked chicken pieces.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken breasts in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you don’t have cream of chicken or mushroom soup, you can use homemade white sauce or other canned soups as substitutes. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor, making it similar to Caldillo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chiquita Chicken with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Quesadillas, making for a delightful spread. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, heating in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the dish's creamy texture without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chiquita Chicken contains roughly 2930 calories, with 87g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 227g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (282% of the Daily Value), protein (174% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2981mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. These cheeses melt well and will still provide a creamy texture to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider using spicy diced green chili peppers or adding jalapeños. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the sauce mixture before layering it with the tortillas and chicken.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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).