Spanish Chicken Casserole(Lower Fat)
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender chicken, green chiles, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, layered with tortillas and melted cheese. This lower-fat dish offers a satisfying taste of Spanish-inspired comfort food, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that crave bold, cheesy flavors with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (8 oz.) can mushroom pieces ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) fat-free sour cream
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can fat-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 16 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 2 cups nonfat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in 3 tablespoons of chicken broth over low heat.
- Add 14 ounces of chicken broth and sour cream; continue to simmer.
- Add flour and cornstarch; mix with a wire beater to blend.
- Stir in water chestnuts, green chiles, and mushrooms.
- Cut tortillas into fourths.
- Line a large casserole dish, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, with part of the tortilla pieces.
- Fold chicken into the sauce.
- Spoon chicken sauce over tortillas and sprinkle with 1/2 of the grated cheese.
- Repeat layers and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lower-fat option, ensure to use fat-free sour cream and nonfat cheese. You can substitute the corn tortillas with whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with beans or lentils, which can also be used in other chicken recipes for added variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish Chicken Casserole can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, pair it with rice or quinoa. A dollop of salsa or guacamole on top adds a fresh twist. It also pairs beautifully with Curried Celery Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave in short intervals, ensuring even heating without overcooking the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Chicken Casserole(Lower Fat) contains roughly 1558 calories, with 17g protein, 324g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg per serving (34% 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 cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook and shred it before adding it to the casserole. Poached or roasted chicken works well, ensuring it’s fully cooked to avoid any food safety issues.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider using spicy green chiles instead of mild ones. Additionally, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture before assembling the casserole.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed until heated through.
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).