Santa Fe Chicken And Dressing
A flavorful, cheesy casserole combining spicy green chiles, roasted red peppers, and tender chicken, perfect for a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cornbread stuffing mix
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (4.5 oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 (7 oz.) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 3/4 oz.) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- tortilla chips (optional) ⓘ
- pico de gallo or chunky salsa (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir together the cornbread stuffing mix, chopped cooked chicken, drained chopped green chiles, drained chopped roasted red bell peppers, and ground coriander.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream-style corn, sour cream, and ground cumin. Mix well to combine.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly greased 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle evenly with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Serve hot, optionally with tortilla chips and pico de gallo or chunky salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using seasoned cornbread stuffing mix or adding diced jalapeños for heat. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste. To make it lighter, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. This dish can also be customized with different vegetables based on what's available, similar to other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a hearty main course and can be served alongside tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. Pair it with a fresh salad or serve with pico de gallo or chunky salsa on the side for a refreshing touch. It also complements well with a side of Black Bean And Lime Dip for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken And Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps retain the cheese's melted texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken And Dressing contains roughly 353 calories, with 15g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add flavor to the dish. Just make sure to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Santa Fe Chicken And Dressing vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also boost protein by adding black beans or lentils.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
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).