Juicy Chicken Laredo Recipe: A Southwestern Delight!
Are you looking for a delicious and comforting meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this Chicken Laredo Recipe! Inspired by the popular dish at Saltgrass Steakhouse, this recipe combines tender chicken breast with a flavorful blend of vegetables, Mexican cheese, and spices for a mouthwatering casserole that will leave you wanting more.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can guarantee that this recipe is perfect for impressing your guests without breaking the bank. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable to fit any dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly option or want to indulge in some cheesy goodness, this recipe has got you covered.
So why settle for boring and uninspired meals on your table when you can create something special with this Chicken Laredo Recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear foodies, are you looking for a dish that will make your taste buds dance in blissful delight? Look no further than my Chicken Laredo recipe. This recipe is a reincarnation of the beloved Saltgrass Steakhouse’s chicken Laredo – a classic favorite among food enthusiasts.
Why will you love this recipe, you ask? First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few readily available ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Secondly, this recipe is versatile and customizable. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste buds, substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist, or even go keto by skipping the beans and serving over a salad instead.
But what about the flavor? Well, let me tell you that this recipe packs a flavorful punch! From the tender and juicy chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper to the colorful array of veggies that add crunch and texture in every bite – green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and green chilies – every spoonful of this dish promises an explosion of flavors.
And let’s not forget about the creamy and cheesy goodness of Velveeta Mexican cheese that binds everything together. Yes, I know some of you might not be fans of processed cheese but trust me – Velveeta cheese brings out the authentic Tex-Mex flavor in this dish like no other cheese can.
So why should you try my Chicken Laredo recipe? The answer is simple: it’s easy to make, customizable to your preference, packed with flavor, and guarantees to satisfy your cravings for Tex-Mex cuisine. Don’t believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Laredo:
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 (10 oz) can Ro*tel tomatoes and green chilies, drained
For the cheese sauce:
- 1 (16 oz) package Velveeta Mexican cheese, cubed
- 1 (4 oz) can pimento-stuffed Spanish olives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup seeded and chopped green bell pepper
For serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Salsa
- Sour cream
This recipe also calls for a few basic pantry staples, such as salt, ground black pepper, and vegetable oil.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together and create this delicious Chicken Laredo Recipe!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some vegetable oil. Then, chop 1 cup of yellow onion and 1 cup of green bell pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken (seasoned with salt and pepper), 1 can (15 oz) of drained pinto beans, 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup of Velveeta Mexican cheese and your chopped onion and green bell pepper.
Step 3: Cook Additional Ingredients
Heat up a skillet with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Let cook for about a minute before adding in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until fragrant before adding it to the mixing bowl.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Add the skillet mixture to your mixing bowl containing the other ingredients. Give everything a good mix before pouring into the greased baking dish. Cut 4 oz of Velveeta into small cubes and sprinkle them on top of the mixture.
Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the Cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven let it cool for a couple minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious dish that tastes just like the famous Saltgrass Steakhouse Chicken Laredo recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up in the kitchen? Here are some substitutions and variations to try with this Chicken Laredo recipe.
1. Substitute the Velveeta Mexican cheese with a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a sharper flavor.
2. If you’re not a fan of pinto beans, replace them with black beans or kidney beans instead.
3. Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or squash for extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Spice it up by adding more diced tomatoes and green chilies than the recipe calls for, or include jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
5. Want to make it a one-pot meal? Cook your rice directly in the casserole dish with the rest of the ingredients.
6. Mix it up with different types of protein such as shrimp or beef strips, seasoned with fajita seasoning or adobo seasoning for added richness.
7. For a keto-friendly version, skip the beans and substitute Velveeta cheese with shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
These substitution options allow you to customize this classic dish to your preferences and dietary requirements while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
Serving and Pairing
You’ve made it to the fun part: serving and pairing your delicious Chicken Laredo dish! This recipe is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages, so feel free to get creative.
For a classic Tex-Mex spread, serve your Chicken Laredo with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans. You can also make some homemade guacamole and salsa for dipping or topping.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try serving your Chicken Laredo over a bed of lettuce as a salad. Add some avocado slices and diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
For a fancier presentation, top your Chicken Laredo with some chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. This will add a burst of freshness and creaminess to each bite.
As for pairings, this dish goes great with Mexican beer or margaritas for a full-on fiesta atmosphere. If you prefer wine, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris will complement the flavors in the dish nicely.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Chicken Laredo, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or dinner party. So grab a fork (or tortilla chip!) and dig in!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Laredo chicken casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish for busy hosts or hostesses. If you’re looking to save time on the day of your party or event, you can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to cook it, follow the recipe instructions, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
When storing your chicken Laredo casserole, make sure it’s tightly covered or stored in an airtight container. This will help preserve its flavor and texture. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re planning to keep it longer than that, consider freezing it for later use.
To reheat your chicken Laredo casserole, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for one minute or until hot.
One thing to note is that reheated chicken Laredo casserole may be slightly drier than when it was originally baked. To prevent this from happening, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the dish before reheating.
With these tips for make-ahead, storing, and reheating your chicken Laredo casserole, you’ll be able to enjoy its delicious flavor long after your party has ended. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or making a new batch from scratch, this recipe is sure to be a hit with all of your guests.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me share with you some tips to ensure that your Chicken Laredo turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, I highly recommend using freshly shredded Velveeta Mexican cheese instead of pre-shredded. The results will be so much creamier and richer, just like the cheese used in Saltgrass Steakhouse’s Chicken Laredo recipe.
Secondly, when cooking the chicken, I suggest using a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will guarantee that your chicken is cooked through without being overdone.
To enhance the flavor even further, I suggest seasoning the chicken with seasoned salt and pepper before cooking it. You can also use the same seasoned salt and pepper mixture to season the onions and peppers for added depth.
Lastly, if you’re short on time and want to save a step, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. Just make sure to season it with the same seasoning mixture mentioned above before incorporating it into the dish.
By following these tips, your Chicken Laredo will impress all of your guests at your next party or dinner gathering!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken Laredo Recipe is a mouth-watering and satisfying dish that will certainly impress and satisfy your guests. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy Velveeta Mexican cheese, tomatoes and green chilies, pinto beans, and flavorful vegetables makes for a truly delicious meal. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your individual preferences.
Whether you’re looking to make a delicious dinner for your family or host a party for friends, this dish is sure to please. So don’t hesitate to try it out and enjoy its rich flavors.
Remember, you can always experiment with substitutions and variations to create different flavors each time you make the recipe. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try out some of the serving suggestions and pairings mentioned in this article.
With its versatility, depth of flavor, and ease of preparation – it’s no wonder that the Chicken Laredo Recipe has become an all-time favorite for many home chefs. So go ahead, give it a try – and experience the magic of this delicious recipe for yourself.
Chicken Laredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, seasoned with
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili with beans (I use Wolfe brand)
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1/4 cup canned tomatoes and green chilies (I use Rotel brand, either mild or hot)
- 8 ounces Velveeta Mexican cheese (mild or hot)
Instructions
- Distribute the chicken evenly over the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking dish (glass or ceramic); set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add in the onion and bell pepper; stir/saute for 3-4 minutes or until the veggies are softened.
- Distribute the onion/pepper mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Spread the chili evenly over the top.
- Distribute the pinto beans and then the tomatoes evenly over the top.
- Cut the Velveeta into thick slices and place them over the tomatoes.
- Bake in a 375° oven for 28-32 mintues or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Velveeta is melted.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!