Hot Green Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole with green chili salsa and tender chicken, perfect for a warm family dinner or gathering that lovers of bold flavors will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken breasts until done and break into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine green chili salsa, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl.
- Add the cooked chicken to the salsa and soup mixture and mix well.
- Cut or tear the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces.
- Grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Layer half of the tortilla pieces on the bottom of the casserole.
- Spread half of the chicken and soup mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, mixture, and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a hotter green chili salsa. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for cooked chicken breasts. You can also use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. For a creamy texture, adding a dollop of sour cream to the layers can enhance the flavor, similar to Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Stack.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty main dish, perfect for family dinners. Serve it with a side of fresh salad like Southwest Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. You may also offer toppings such as diced avocado, sour cream, or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Enchiladas With Sour Cream for a complete Mexican-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Hot Green Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Green Casserole contains roughly 980 calories, with 54g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1492mg per serving (65% 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 a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the foil and bake at 350°F (175°C), adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Hot Green Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with homemade versions using broth and a thickener like flour or cornstarch. Alternatively, using a can of condensed tomato soup can give a different but tasty flavor profile while keeping it creamy.
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).