Mexican Casserole Using Chicken
A flavorful Mexican casserole layered with chicken, cheese, and vegetables, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings craving comfort and bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken, cooked, boned and cut into pieces ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- garlic to taste ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes, diced with chilies
Instructions
- Layer tortillas and cooked chicken alternately in a greased casserole dish.
- Combine 1 cup of cheese with all other ingredients including onion, green pepper, chili powder, garlic, salt, soups, and tomatoes.
- Pour the mixture over the layered tortillas and chicken.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and green peppers before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes. For a lighter version, swap cream soups with low-fat alternatives or Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For a hearty meal, consider serving it with refried beans or guacamole. It’s also delicious topped with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. For a fun twist, serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the cheese nice and melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Casserole Using Chicken contains roughly 345 calories, with 12g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 910mg per serving (40% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the Mexican Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is great on its own, but you can enhance the meal with sides like Mexican street corn, a simple avocado salad, or tortilla chips with salsa. For a refreshing drink, serve with a classic margarita or a chilled glass of horchata.
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).