Mexican Chicken And Chile Casserole
A flavorful Mexican chicken and chile casserole combining tender shredded chicken, green chiles, and cheeses in a creamy, spicy sauce perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. fryer chickens
- 1 qt. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 4 oz. can diced green chiles ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Mexican seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded Jack cheese
- 1 c. sour cream
- 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved ⓘ
- Cilantro sprigs for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the chickens thoroughly.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large soup kettle.
- Add the chickens to the boiling broth.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until drumsticks move easily.
- Lift the chickens from the broth and let them cool.
- Remove meat from the chickens and discard bones and skin.
- Cut the chicken meat into large strips.
- Strain the broth and chill it, then lift off the fat.
- Cook the broth uncovered over high heat until reduced to 1 cup.
- Stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the reduced broth and cook, stirring, until very thick.
- Set the thickened broth aside.
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in olive oil until limp.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the thickened sauce along with diced green chiles, minced garlic, and Mexican seasoning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of lime juice or cumin to the mixture. You can substitute the shredded Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick. If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken can save you preparation time while still delivering great taste. This dish works well with any of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Burritos or enjoying it with some warm tortillas for a delicious family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the casserole thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Chicken And Chile Casserole contains roughly 395 calories, with 11g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% 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 prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of green chiles?
If you're unable to find diced green chiles, you can use diced jalapeños for heat or bell peppers for a milder flavor. Just be mindful of the spice level if you're cooking for kids or those sensitive to heat.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare it as directed, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking, and add a few minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.
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).