The David'S Chili Chicken
A hearty, creamy chicken casserole with a spicy chili kick, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings that enjoy bold flavors and rich textures.
Ingredients
- 4 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- water to cover ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 10 corn tortillas, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chicken breasts, water to cover, chopped celery, and chopped onion in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Refrigerate the chicken and broth.
- Debone and chop the cooked chicken.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the broth.
- Combine the chopped chicken, reserved broth, tortillas, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, sour cream, chopped onions, and chopped green chilies. Place the mixture in a 9 x 13-inch or larger baking dish.
- Top with cheese and cover tightly with foil.
- Refrigerate the assembled casserole for 24 hours.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour covered.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley in the chicken mixture. If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be a good substitute. You can also swap the cream of chicken or mushroom soup for homemade versions or use low-fat options to reduce calories. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili chicken casserole with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Potatoes Supreme for a comforting dinner. For an added crunch, consider serving with tortilla chips or a dollop of guacamole on the side to enhance the flavor.
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 the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven will help maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The David'S Chili Chicken contains roughly 732 calories, with 34g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (77% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg per serving (60% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken can save time. Just ensure the chicken is shredded or chopped to the appropriate size before mixing it with the other ingredients. This can also deepen the flavor of the dish as the chicken absorbs the casserole's creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the chicken mixture. You can also use spicy green chilies instead of mild ones. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of chili powder for extra kick throughout the dish.
Can I freeze the assembled casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare meals in advance!
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).