Cheesy Mexican Chicken Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Mexican Chicken Bake, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. This one-dish meal features succulent boneless chicken breasts baked to perfection in a creamy, zesty sauce made with taco seasoning, cream of soups, and green chilies, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and crispy tortilla chips. It's a cinch to prepare and is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
5
Servings
440
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4-5 (trimmed and pounded to even thickness)
evaporated milk
1/2 cup (none)
taco seasoning mix
0.5 (1 1/4 ounce) package (none)
cream of celery soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
chopped green chilies
0.5 (4 ounce) can (drained)
grated cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
tortilla chips
enough to cover the bottom of the pan (broken into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan with broken tortilla chips to create a crunchy base.
3
Place the trimmed and pounded chicken breasts on top of the tortilla chips, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, taco seasoning mix, and drained chopped green chilies. Mix well until fully combined.
5
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts evenly, ensuring they are well coated.
6
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top of the soup mixture.
7
Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden topping. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
16g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Chicken Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal featuring chicken breasts baked in a creamy, zesty sauce made with taco seasoning, cream of soups, and green chilies, topped with cheddar cheese and crispy tortilla chips.
How long does it take to bake this dish?
The chicken bake requires approximately 40-50 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for the best results.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4-5 boneless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded to an even thickness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, but ensure they are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What makes the base of the casserole crunchy?
The bottom of the 9x13 inch baking pan is lined with broken tortilla chips to create a crunchy base.
What soups are required for the creamy sauce?
The sauce uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of celery soup and one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
What kind of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of evaporated milk to achieve a rich and creamy sauce consistency.
How much taco seasoning do I need?
You will need half of a standard 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix.
Should the green chilies be drained?
Yes, ensure that the chopped green chilies are drained before adding them to the sauce mixture.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese to be sprinkled over the top.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is safely cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
Why do I need to cover the pan with foil?
Covering the pan loosely with aluminum foil helps keep the chicken moist and prevents the cheese from burning during the initial baking phase.
When should I remove the foil during baking?
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese topping to become bubbly and golden.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 440 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 40g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 22g of fat.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and weeknight meal because it is simple to assemble and requires only one baking dish.
Can I use different types of tortilla chips?
Yes, you can use corn tortilla chips, flour tortilla chips, or even flavored varieties like nacho cheese for extra zest.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the sauce mixture.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Use a 9x13 inch baking pan and line the bottom with a layer of broken tortilla chips.
Do I need to mix the chicken with the sauce before baking?
No, place the chicken on top of the chips and then pour the prepared creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can use 'hot' chopped green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture.
Is there a specific way to prepare the chicken breasts?
Yes, they should be trimmed of excess fat and pounded to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Can I use fresh milk instead of evaporated milk?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner than if you used evaporated milk.
How long should the dish rest before serving?
Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the sauce to set.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a Mexican-inspired one-dish meal, baked chicken dish, and comfort food.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 8 primary ingredients.