Mexicali Chicken And Cheese Bake
This Mexicali Chicken and Cheese Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and zesty green chilies. Perfect for family dinners, it bursts with flavor and is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal dish for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 3 c. cubed, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 3/4 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- chili powder or seasoned salt
- 1 1/2 c. milk
- 1/2 c. margarine, melted ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 oz. can chopped green chillies ⓘ
- 2 oz. chopped pimento, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°.
- Grease 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In large bowl, combine chicken, 1 cup cheese, corn and soup; blend well. Spoon into prepared dish.
- Combine other ingredients in order listed.
- Mix until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy.
- Pour over chicken mixture.
- Bake 50 to 60 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Return to oven to melt cheese.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with Cheddar or Pepper Jack for a different taste. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use extra flour, but the texture may vary slightly. This dish is reminiscent of Chicken-Mexican Casserole and pairs well with spicy sides.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexicali Chicken and Cheese Bake is delicious served with a side of guacamole or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Consider pairing it with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired feast. It is also great alongside Hot Taco Rice to make the meal even heartier. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Chicken And Cheese Bake contains roughly 656 calories, with 12g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cheese bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or need a substitute, you can use homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, you could use a dairy-free cream substitute if you're avoiding dairy. Just ensure the flavors complement the rest of the dish.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The Mexicali Chicken and Cheese Bake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
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).