Ed'S Chili Chicken
A flavorful chili chicken casserole with tender shredded chicken, spicy chili sauce, melted cheeses, and crispy tortilla strips, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 2 packets chicken seasoning ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 (12 to 16 oz.) can chili (no beans) ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 bottle green chili salsa ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 can jalapenos and tomatoes (6 oz.) ⓘ
- chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients with an asterisk to make the sauce. Simmer chicken breasts until tender, then bone and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut tortillas into 1/2-inch strips.
- Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with a layer of tortilla strips, then add a layer of shredded chicken, followed by more strips and sauce, repeating layers as desired.
- Shred Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses and layer over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until bubbly.
- Reheat the dish covered when serving leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or using a spicier salsa. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the chicken breasts. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for added flavor. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican Red Rice and a side of guacamole for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad or some black beans for extra protein. For a casual gathering, consider serving it with Easy Chicken Chimichangas Supreme for a fun and festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved for a few minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ed'S Chili Chicken contains roughly 590 calories, with 23g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1616mg per serving (70% 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shredded beef or turkey if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially if using raw meat instead of pre-cooked options.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soups. This will create a hearty and satisfying vegetarian version of the chili chicken casserole.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, use mild salsa and skip the jalapenos. Additionally, you can add more cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to balance the heat. Adjust the chili powder to your taste for a milder 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).