Tortilla Chicken

Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

Creamy, cheesy chicken tortilla casserole packed with flavors from salsa, mushrooms, and cheddar, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 whole chicken breasts
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can cream of celery or chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk or chicken broth
  • 1 pound Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 can chili salsa
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • taco sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wrap chicken breasts in foil and steam in the oven until tender, about 1 hour.
  2. Bone and cut the cooked chicken into large pieces.
  3. Cut tortillas into 1-inch squares.
  4. Combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery or chicken soup, milk or chicken broth, chili salsa, and chopped onion in a bowl.
  5. Butter a flat baking dish.
  6. Place a layer of tortilla squares in the dish.
  7. Add a layer of chicken pieces over the tortillas.
  8. Pour a layer of the sauce mixture over the chicken.
  9. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
  10. Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
  11. Refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight or for several hours.
  12. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours until bubbly and heated through.
  13. Optionally, flavor with taco sauce before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using a mixture of half cream of mushroom and half cream of celery soup. If you want to reduce the calories, opt for low-fat cheese or sour cream. You can also substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. For extra heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This Tortilla Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with sour cream, guacamole, or additional taco sauce for added flavor. It's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, and you can browse more Mexican recipes for a themed dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tortilla Chicken contains roughly 1039 calories, with 40g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1374mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).

1039 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.2g 80% DV
Total Fat 56.5g 72% DV
Carbs 94.6g 34% DV
Fiber 3.6g 13% DV
Sugar 39g 78% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1374.3mg 60% DV
Potassium 635.8mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 123mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 396.6mcg 44% DV
Vitamin C 12.3mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 1.8mcg 9% DV
Calcium 850.4mg 65% DV
Iron 6.4mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk

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 flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer them over corn. Keep in mind that flour tortillas may not hold up as well to the sauce, so you might want to layer them more carefully to prevent sogginess.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to bake it for a little longer if it's coming straight from the fridge, as it will be colder than if assembled just before baking.

What can I substitute for the cream soups?

If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter, flour, and milk, along with seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. This will give you a fresher taste while maintaining the creamy consistency.

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).

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