Mexicali Chicken N Cheese Bake
A cheesy, flavorful baked chicken casserole with corn, green chiles, and pimiento, perfect for family dinners or entertaining with a comforting southwestern twist.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, cubed chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt or chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked, cubed chicken, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, drained corn, and condensed cream of chicken soup; blend well.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and seasoned salt or chili powder.
- Add milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until the dry ingredients are moist; batter may appear slightly lumpy.
- Stir in chopped onion, drained chopped green chiles, and drained chopped pimiento.
- Pour the batter over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top and return to the oven until the cheese has melted.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using seasoned chicken or marinating it in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you prefer a spicier dish, substitute the seasoned salt with chili powder or add jalapeños to the chicken mixture. You can also use other cheeses like cheddar for a different taste. For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexicali Chicken N Cheese Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it with homemade guacamole or salsa on the side for a refreshing contrast. For a family-friendly option, consider serving with crispy tortilla chips for scooping.
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) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking to avoid overheating, which can dry out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Chicken N Cheese Bake contains roughly 462 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1755mg per serving (76% 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 time-saver and adds flavor to the dish. Just ensure it's shredded or cubed and heated through before mixing it with the other ingredients. This makes the recipe even quicker to prepare.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I serve with Mexicali Chicken N Cheese Bake?
This dish pairs well with a light salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it with refried beans or a side of corn tortillas. For a festive touch, serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
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).