Rotel Chicken Lasagna
A hearty, comforting lasagna that blends smoky chicken, tangy cheddar, and zesty Ro‑Tel for a spicy, crowd‑pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chicken, cooked and cut into pieces (reserving stock) ⓘ
- 1 pkg. flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 12 oz. Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel (chopped tomatoes with green chilies) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and green pepper until softened.
- Add cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix sliced black olives, grated cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- In another bowl, combine the can of Ro‑Tel with cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup, stirring until smooth.
- Layer the tortillas, chicken mixture, olive-cheese blend, and soup mixture in a baking dish, repeating until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a top layer of soup mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lime juice and spices before cooking. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the layers or use spicy Ro-Tel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Rotel Chicken Lasagna with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple coleslaw also pairs well. This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can elevate it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but ensure they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rotel Chicken Lasagna contains roughly 353 calories, with 12g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1720mg per serving (75% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge to the oven.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you prefer, you can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Alternatively, lasagna noodles will work, but be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as they typically require boiling before layering.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking or after it's cooked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding extra time.
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).