Zesty Green Chile Chicken Casserole
This hearty Zesty Green Chile Chicken Casserole is a delightful fusion of comforting flavors and vibrant spices, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With layers of tender tortillas, shredded chicken, and a creamy green chile sauce, it offers a burst of flavor in every bite. This casserole is not only delicious fresh out of the oven but also develops a deeper flavor overnight, making it perfect for leftovers. Customize it to your liking by adjusting the heat level with jalapeños, the amount of cheese, or even using cooked turkey instead of chicken. No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 - 3 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic
2 - 3 tablespoons (fresh minced (or to taste))
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped (optional))
chicken broth
1 1/3 cups
canned green chilies
1 1/4 cups (drained (can use more if desired))
cumin
1 - 2 teaspoons
cream of chicken soup
2 (10 ounce) cans (undiluted)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
corn tortillas
24 (use more or less as needed)
cooked chicken
4 cups (shredded (or cooked turkey alternative))
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded (or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar, to taste))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3
In a medium heavy pot or saucepan, melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño pepper (if using) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4
Stir in the chicken broth, drained green chiles, cumin, and undiluted cream of chicken soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined. Remove from heat.
5
Spread approximately 1 cup of the soup mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6
Layer 5-6 corn tortillas over the soup mixture, followed by half of the shredded chicken and then half of the shredded cheese.
7
Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 5-6 tortillas, the remaining chicken, and the remaining cheese.
8
Spread the rest of the soup mixture evenly over the top cheese layer.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
10
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Green Chile Chicken Casserole?
It is a hearty fusion dish featuring layers of tender tortillas, shredded chicken, and a creamy green chile sauce.
What kind of meat can I use in this casserole?
You can use 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken or a cooked turkey alternative.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with butter or cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
The onion should be chopped and the garlic should be fresh minced.
Is the jalapeno pepper mandatory?
No, the jalapeno is optional and should be seeded and finely chopped if you choose to use it.
What ingredients go into the soup mixture?
The mixture includes chicken broth, drained green chiles, cumin, and undiluted cream of chicken soup.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
Saute the onion, garlic, and optional jalapeno for 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Do I need to boil the sauce mixture?
Yes, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
How many corn tortillas are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for approximately 24 corn tortillas, though you can use more or less as needed to cover the layers.
What is the first step in layering the casserole?
Start by spreading approximately 1 cup of the prepared soup mixture in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
How do I assemble the layers?
Layer 5-6 tortillas, half the chicken, and half the cheese, then repeat the process once more.
When do I add the remaining soup mixture?
Spread the rest of the soup mixture evenly over the very top layer of cheese.
Should I cover the casserole while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for the first 25 minutes.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after 25 minutes of baking and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
It is ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has become slightly golden.
Should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use cheddar or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese based on your preference.
Is this recipe good for leftovers?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for leftovers as it often develops a deeper flavor overnight.
How much chicken broth is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 and 1/3 cups of chicken broth.
What amount of green chiles should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 cups of drained canned green chiles, but you can use more if desired.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1 to 2 teaspoons of cumin, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Should I dilute the cream of chicken soup?
No, use two 10-ounce cans of cream of chicken soup undiluted.
How much butter is needed for sauteing?
Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter to saute the vegetables.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding or removing the jalapeno and changing the amount of green chiles.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food and is a popular Mexican-inspired dish.
How many layers of chicken are in the recipe?
The assembly involves two layers of shredded chicken.
Is the garlic amount flexible?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 to 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, or you can adjust to your own taste.
Can I make this for a family gathering?
Absolutely, it is an ideal dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners because it is hearty and crowd-pleasing.