Mema'S Chicken Casserole
Creamy chicken casserole with cheesy, tomato, and onion flavors, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place tortillas on the bottom of a greased casserole dish.
- Layer cooked and deboned chicken pieces, chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the can of Cheddar cheese soup on top of the layered ingredients.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with garlic powder or paprika before deboning. If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be a good substitute. You can also use any canned tomatoes if Ro-Tel is unavailable. To make it a vegetarian dish, replace the chicken with black beans or lentils, which can be found in many vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some guacamole on the side. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving with Mexican rice or a side of refried beans. It’s a hearty dish that works well for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mema'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1121 calories, with 69g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (138% of the Daily Value), calcium (115% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1445mg per serving (63% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for this casserole, saving you time and adding extra flavor. Just make sure to debone and shred the chicken before layering it in the dish.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts of sour cream and cream cheese with some sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, use cream of chicken soup or any thick cream soup you have on hand.
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).