Green Chilies And Chicken Casserole
A creamy and cheesy chicken casserole with green chilies and bold flavors, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for family gatherings or casual meals.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer chicken, cooked in boiling water until tender, deboned and diced ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or nacho cheese soup as an alternative) ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can mild green chilies, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped (or garlic powder) ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 large bag Doritos ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven if baking; otherwise, prepare the casserole in a suitable dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked, diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup (or nacho cheese soup), chopped onion, chopped green chilies, and chopped garlic or garlic powder.
- Mix in grated sharp Cheddar cheese, reserving some for topping.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
- Top with remaining Cheddar cheese and crushed Doritos if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly, or serve immediately if assembled without baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using low-fat milk and mushrooms. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience, saving time on cooking and deboning. Feel free to adjust the amount of green chilies based on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with sautéed Brussels Sprouts With Raisins for a well-rounded meal. Serve with a side salad for freshness, or alongside some warm cornbread for a comforting vibe. For a complete dinner, consider offering a light dessert such as fruit salad or a simple sorbet to cleanse the palate after the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help maintain the crunch of the Doritos if used as a topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chilies And Chicken Casserole contains roughly 328 calories, with 26g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 761mg per serving (33% 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?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar adds great flavor, you can substitute with Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or even pepper jack for some heat. Mixing different cheeses can also create a more complex flavor profile. Just make sure your cheese melts well.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, allowing a few extra minutes for cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use a vegetarian cream soup. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version that still has the same creamy, comforting qualities.
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).