Viva La Chicken
Viva La Chicken is a hearty, cheesy casserole layered with tender chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and flavorful green chili salsa. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a comforting blend of creamy soups, melted cheese, and spicy salsa, creating a satisfying and delicious meal for all tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wrap each chicken breast in foil.
- Bake the chicken breasts in a 400°F oven for 1 hour.
- Cook and save the juice from the chicken.
- Bone the chicken and cut into large pieces.
- Cut the tortillas into 1-inch strips.
- Grease the bottom and sides of an oblong Pyrex casserole dish.
- Arrange the round sides of tortillas around the edge of the dish.
- Place half of the tortilla strips on the bottom of the dish.
- Mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, chopped onion, and green chili salsa.
- Pour the chicken juice into the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the chicken pieces over the bottom, then add half of the sauce.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the tortilla strips.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Let the casserole stand in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake for 1.5 hours at 300°F before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in lime juice and spices before baking. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using jalapeño salsa instead of green chili salsa. This dish is reminiscent of other Mexican recipes, so feel free to experiment with additional toppings like sour cream or avocado.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of refried beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a flavorful pairing, consider serving it alongside guacamole or salsa for dipping. This dish is perfect for a family gathering, and it pairs beautifully with Chicken Enchiladas With Sour Cream Sauce And Chile Con Queso for a festive spread.
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 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Viva La Chicken contains roughly 1025 calories, with 50g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they should be thawed completely before baking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you're short on time, consider using rotisserie chicken as a quick substitute, which will save you some prep time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the taste but also makes it convenient to simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.
What can I do if I don't have corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can substitute them with flour tortillas or even tortilla chips for a crunchier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
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).