Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole
Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole is a hearty dish that combines tender chicken with zesty flavors of green chilies and olives, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place corn in an ungreased 2-quart casserole.
- Top with chicken and olives.
- Mix soup, chilies, pimientos, sour cream, salt, and cumin; spread over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle with chips.
- Bake, uncovered, in a 350° oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy green chilies. You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great in place of cooked chicken. This casserole can be made ahead and baked just before serving, making it an ideal choice for gatherings along with other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or Mexican-style rice. You might also serve it with guacamole and salsa on the side for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken With Salsa for a fun dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the chips crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole contains roughly 295 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2160mg per serving (94% 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 up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you need a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts chicken broth and heavy cream, thickened with a bit of flour. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup can also work well in this recipe.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey for a different twist. This flexibility makes it a great option for using up leftovers.
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).