Nancie'S Chicken Calupa
Nancie's Chicken Calupa is a hearty, cheesy casserole layered with chicken, green chilies, and creamy soups, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and line it with mashed corn chips.
- Place the white chicken over the chips.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, diced green chilies, and diced onion together.
- Spread the mixture over the chicken layer.
- Top the casserole with grated Longhorn cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of canned for a fresher taste. You can also substitute the Longhorn cheese with a blend of Mexican cheeses for a more intense flavor. If you're looking to make it spicier, add jalapeños or diced bell peppers to the mixture. This dish is reminiscent of other great Mexican recipes, making it a versatile option for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nancie’s Chicken Calupa with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Drumsticks for a fun family dinner. You can also top individual servings with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness. Enjoy with your favorite beverage for a delightful experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture. This dish can also be frozen before baking for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancie'S Chicken Calupa contains roughly 421 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1220mg per serving (53% 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 fresh chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, cooked chicken can enhance the flavor of the dish. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and layer it over the nacho chips as you would with the canned version. This substitution will give you a heartier texture and a homemade touch to your Chicken Calupa.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, Nancie’s Chicken Calupa can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen, increasing the time as needed. If freezing after baking, ensure it cools completely before storing. Reheat thoroughly for best results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies like black beans, corn, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your soups are vegetarian-friendly. This will create a delicious and hearty meatless option.
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).