Viva Chicken Tortilla
Viva Chicken Tortilla is a hearty, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, flavorful green chili salsa, and rich creams, layered with cheeses and pasta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its comforting flavors and versatile serving options make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy bold, cheesy dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, boiled, boned, skinned and diced ⓘ
- 1 onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chili salsa
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 pound Jack cheese ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 pound flat oval pasta ⓘ
- 4 pounds Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 12 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 pepperoni stick, sliced and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Cut into finger-sized pieces.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. For a lighter version, swap half the cheese with low-fat options. This dish is reminiscent of Chicken Fajitas, making it a versatile addition to your Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Viva Chicken Tortilla warm or cold as a main dish or appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or guacamole for a complete meal. For an added crunch, consider serving it with tortilla chips. This dish can also be accompanied by Helen'S Tortilla Soup for a delightful combination that showcases the best of Mexican cuisine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Viva Chicken Tortilla contains roughly 1284 calories, with 46g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (97% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1415mg per serving (62% 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
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
To incorporate more veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the mixture. Sauté them before mixing to enhance their flavors. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds vibrant color and texture, making it even more appealing.
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).