Tex-Mex Chicken
A flavorful Tex-Mex casserole combining tender chicken, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and spicy tomatoes, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/4 oz.) bag tortilla chips ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. diced fresh mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook chicken pieces until tender in 5 to 6 cups of water; drain. Remove meat from bones and cube, discarding skin and bones.
- Crush tortilla chips and spread them evenly in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Add the cooked chicken on top of the crushed tortilla chips.
- Blend milk, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chili powder, and diced mushrooms if desired.
- Pour the blended mixture over the chicken and chips.
- Top with grated sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or substituting the Ro-Tel with a hotter variety. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. If you want a creamier texture, increase the amount of cream soups. This dish is also great with black beans for added protein, making it a hearty option among Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tex-Mex Chicken with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sara'S Easy Tortilla Soup for an impressive dinner spread. For added flavor, consider topping with fresh cilantro or avocado slices just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to keep the cheese from burning, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken contains roughly 621 calories, with 25g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2168mg 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 use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar adds a nice flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different taste. Just make sure to use cheese that melts well for the best results.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can make this dish healthier by using skinless chicken breasts and low-fat versions of the cream soups. Incorporating more vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, can also boost nutritional value while keeping the flavors intact.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
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).