Emma'S Chicken
Emma's Chicken is a comforting layered casserole with tender chicken, spicy green chiles, creamy soups, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts and dice them into small pieces.
- Cut the tortillas into 1-inch squares.
- Mix the mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, grated onion, chopped green chile SALSA, and its juice together to make the liquid mixture.
- Butter a large, shallow baking dish.
- Pour some of the liquid mixture into the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of tortilla squares over the liquid.
- Add a layer of diced cooked chicken over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layering process 2 or 3 times, ending with a layer of the liquid mixture on top.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cover and let stand in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute the green chile salsa with a homemade version or use diced jalapeños for more heat. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken breasts. This dish can also easily be adapted with different types of cheese or additional vegetables, similar to Chicken Fajita.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a burst of freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or corn on the cob for a complete meal. For a delicious twist, consider serving it alongside a portion of Chicken With Black Beans And Yellow Rice for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the tortillas.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emma'S Chicken contains roughly 595 calories, with 25g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead. After assembling the layers, cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when baked.
What can I use instead of tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or even use layers of cooked rice instead. This will change the texture but still provide a hearty and satisfying meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or using spicy green chile salsa. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the liquid mixture for an extra kick. Adjust according to your heat preference for a more customized 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).