Description
This Nacho Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy Tex-Mex inspired main course combining shredded chicken, creamy sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and crunchy tortilla chips layered with melted Mexican blend cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this cheesy chicken bake offers a flavorful twist on classic nachos, finished with fresh green onions and optional garnishes like jalapeños, black olives, or cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Layers and Toppings
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, black olives, or chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Layer ingredients in the baking dish: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the chips and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips to the dish followed by the remaining chicken mixture. Finish by topping with the last 1 cup of shredded cheese, ensuring an even layer for melting.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, and the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and any optional garnishes such as sliced jalapeños, black olives, or chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For added heat, use spicy diced tomatoes or add jalapeño slices between layers.
- This casserole is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
