Jean'S Chiquita'S Chicken
A hearty, cheesy chicken casserole layered with tortillas and flavorful chilies, perfect for a comforting family dinner with bold, spicy undertones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken for about 45 minutes and then cut into pieces.
- Add 1/2 cup water to the cooked chicken.
- Saute the chopped onion in oil until translucent.
- Add both cans of cream of chicken and mushroom soups.
- Blend in the milk and shredded Cheddar cheese, heating until the cheese melts.
- Add half a cup of broth and chopped green chilies, seeded and chopped.
- Cut tortillas into strips.
- Grease a casserole dish and layer tortillas on the bottom.
- Pour some of the sauce over the tortillas.
- Add a layer of chicken on top of the sauce.
- Repeat layering with tortillas, sauce, and chicken until all ingredients are used.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken or substituting low-fat cream of chicken and mushroom soups. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, use jalapeños instead of green chilies. This dish can also be made with leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a great option for quick meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jean's Chiquita's Chicken with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can garnish with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Burritos for a delightful family dinner. For a fun twist, consider serving it with tortilla chips for dipping.
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 warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Chiquita'S Chicken contains roughly 725 calories, with 26g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (55% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2101mg per serving (91% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. If you are using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time to ensure it's fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with homemade white sauce or another cream-based soup like cream of mushroom. You can also use a combination of sour cream and chicken broth for a tangy flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).