Mexican Chalupa
A creamy, cheesy casserole with tender chicken and green chilies, layered with tortillas for a hearty Mexican-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 1/2 dozen soft corn tortillas, torn in quarters ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced and sautéed ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) sour cream or 1 can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 lb. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cheese and tortillas in a large mixing bowl.
- Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
- Layer in a casserole dish or crock-pot beginning with torn tortillas, then the chicken mixture, and ending with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or cook in a crock-pot on low for 5 hours until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat soups. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with black beans or lentils. Ensure to sauté the onion until golden for a deeper flavor, and feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chalupa hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for a bit of spice. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. A crisp green salad or a scoop of guacamole can complement the dish perfectly. For a fun twist, try serving alongside Chicken Taco Salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Chalupa contains roughly 517 calories, with 22g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1152mg per serving (50% 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 mixture and layer it with tortillas and cheese in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a kick, or even a blend of your favorites. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the cheese's melting properties.
What can I substitute for the corn tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, as chips may become soggy faster than soft tortillas.
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).