Viva La Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with tender chicken, green chilies, and crispy tortillas, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken, then remove from bones and cut into pieces.
- Cut the tortillas into 1-inch strips.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, green chili salsa, chopped onion, and milk in a bowl.
- Layer tortilla strips in the casserole dish, followed by a layer of chicken, then a layer of the soup mixture; repeat the layers.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven at 300°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own for added flavor and convenience. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce if you prefer a lighter version. If you want extra heat, add some jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. This dish pairs beautifully with South Of The Border Chicken Salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness. It pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a fun twist, serve alongside Chicken Fajita Baked Potato for a hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be careful not to overheat, as the tortillas can become chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Viva La Chicken Tortilla Casserole contains roughly 887 calories, with 55g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (111% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or pepper jack are excellent substitutes that melt well and add a nice flavor. For a lower-fat option, you could also try using a reduced-fat cheese.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the soup mixture. This variation still captures the delicious flavors of the original dish.
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).