Excellent But Easy Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese. The dish features a delightful mix of green chilies and crispy tortilla pieces, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and hearty in taste, it appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, diced green chilies, and broken tortillas in a bowl and let soak for 30 minutes.
- Place half of the soaked soup mixture in a shallow 5-quart casserole dish.
- Layer half of the cooked, chopped chicken over the soup mixture.
- Add the remaining soup mixture on top of the chicken layer.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or chili powder to the soup mixture. If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute. For a lighter version, you can replace the cream soups with low-fat alternatives or homemade versions. This casserole is a great way to use leftover chicken from dishes like Goforth'S Chicken And Rice.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside rice or quinoa. You can also top with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added freshness. It makes a great main dish similar to Chicken And Sweet Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent But Easy Casserole contains roughly 477 calories, with 21g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1626mg 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even shredded beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or sautéed vegetables for a filling alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider using spicy diced green chilies or adding jalapeños to the mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking or serve with hot sauce on the side to cater to different spice preferences.
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).