Judy'S Chicken Tortilla Bake
A comforting baked chicken casserole with cheesy, creamy layers and crispy tortillas, perfect for family dinners and satisfying all appetites with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cooked and deboned chicken breasts in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top the chicken with strips of corn tortillas.
- Mix together the can of cream of mushroom soup, can of chili without beans, can of cream of chicken soup, and can of salsa sauce; spread this mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle the grated sharp Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional few minutes if desired to brown the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with taco seasoning before adding it to the dish. You can substitute the canned soups with homemade versions for a fresher taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. This dish is reminiscent of similar Mexican recipes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Tortilla Bake with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the cheese. It pairs beautifully with Southwestern Chicken Salad Wraps for a complete meal. For an extra burst of flavor, consider topping with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy'S Chicken Tortilla Bake contains roughly 911 calories, with 69g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (137% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value). 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Make sure to fully cook and debone it before adding it to the dish. For quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soups for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Tortilla Bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).