Cheesy Mexican Chicken Lasagna
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken Lasagna is a delightful fusion of classic Mexican flavors and comforting casserole goodness. I initially prepared this dish for my in-laws and husband, who are originally from Mexico, and to my surprise, they absolutely adored it! Not only does it capture the essence of traditional chilaquiles, but it also adapts beautifully to a baked format that's perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. With layers of tender tortillas, succulent chicken, creamy soups, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with some fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal that's bursting with flavor!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
2 cups (chopped)
cream of chicken soup
1 (8 ounce) can
cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 ounce) can
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded (may substitute with Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese mix))
onion
1 (diced)
bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced (red or green))
garlic
1 clove (pressed)
salsa
1/2 cup (any variety preferred)
corn tortillas
12
chili powder
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and pressed garlic, and sauté until the onions are almost translucent, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the depth of flavor, especially if you use the skillet where you cooked the chicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cooked chopped chicken, salsa, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4
Lightly grease a square 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Lay out four tortillas in the dish, overlapping them slightly to cover the base.
5
Spoon one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly.
6
Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of tortillas topped with the remaining chicken mixture. Finish by sprinkling the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
8
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this dish with a side of Mexican rice for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
11.25g
Fat
33.75g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Chicken Lasagna?
It is a fusion dish combining traditional Mexican flavors like chilaquiles with the comforting structure of a baked casserole.
How many calories are in this dish?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You should use 2 cups of cooked chicken that has been chopped.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese mix.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
It should bake for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
What size baking dish is required?
This recipe requires a square 9x9 inch baking dish.
How many tortillas do I need?
You will need 12 corn tortillas.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one onion, a half cup of bell pepper, and one clove of garlic.
What kind of soups are used in the sauce?
The sauce is made using one 8-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and one 8-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salsa, providing a mild to moderate heat depending on the salsa variety used.
How many layers are in this lasagna?
The dish is built with three layers of tortillas and chicken mixture.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray before assembly.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
Saute the diced onion, bell pepper, and pressed garlic in oil for about 5 minutes until the onions are almost translucent.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil during the baking process.
How can I get a crispy top on the lasagna?
Remove the aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to crisp the top.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11.25 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 18.75 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 33.75 grams of carbohydrates.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
Fluffy Mexican rice is a perfect pairing for this lasagna.
What variety of salsa should I use?
You can use any variety of salsa that you prefer.
How much cheese goes into the chicken mixture?
Mix 1 and a half cups of the shredded cheese into the chicken and soup mixture.
How much cheese is saved for the topping?
Save a half cup of shredded cheese to sprinkle on the very top layer.
Does this recipe require oil?
Yes, one tablespoon of oil is used to saute the vegetables.
How long should I let the dish cool?
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly and easy dinner option.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, its casserole format makes it excellent for meal prep.
What amount of chili powder is needed?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of chili powder.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.