Delicious Chicken Ole Casserole Recipe You Can’t Resist
Are you in search of a heartwarming, soul-satisfying, and delightfully cheesy casserole recipe to dazzle your taste buds? Look no further. I am thrilled to share with you my beloved Chicken Ole Casserole Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy night in or a festive party.
This casserole is going to be your new kitchen staple that will impress guests or treat yourself and your loved ones with a homely meal. Every bite is packed with tender chicken breast, creamy and tangy sauce, cheddar cheese, corn tortillas, green chilies, and salsa–it’s a party in your mouth.
But the best part? It’s so easy to make! With common pantry-staple ingredients and just an hour of cooking time, you can have this casserole ready to go. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy it all week long.
Get ready for a flavor explosion and prepare to share the love of Chicken Ole Casserole today.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: it’s a chilly night and you’re looking for something warm and comforting to eat. That’s when I can tell you with certainty that you’ll love this Chicken Ole Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that’s not only easy to make but also hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Firstly, let’s talk about the star of the show- the boneless skinless chicken breast. This recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken, which is mixed with a luscious blend of ingredients such as diced tomatoes, green chilies, garlic and onion. Topped with delicious cheddar cheese and salsa, every bite of this chicken ole casserole is like a fiesta in your mouth.
What makes this recipe even more delightful is its versatility- whether you’re feeding a big crowd or simply want leftovers for the next day, this casserole is perfect for both occasions. Plus, if you’re pressed for time, it can be assembled ahead of time and baked later for a quick meal.
Another reason why this chicken ole casserole recipe will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire is because of its excellent nutrition components- boneless skinless chicken breasts are low in fat and calories while corn tortillas are high in fiber, so you don’t have to worry about compromising your healthy eating habits.
So why wouldn’t you love this incredible dish? With its combination of heartiness, flavor and versatility, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy the tastes of everyone around your dining table. One bite and I guarantee it’ll become your favorite go-to chicken casserole recipe.
Ingredient List
Ingredients 1:
– 10 soft corn tortillas (6 inch)
– 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (1 1/4 pounds)
– 2 cans (10 ounces each) of diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
– 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup of sour cream
– 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chilies, drained
– 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil
– ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
Ingredients 2:
– Non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients 3:
– Optional: Freshly diced cilantro leaves for garnish
Note: You can use any cooked and shredded chicken meat for this recipe, including a store-bought rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breast or boneless skinless thighs.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Before anything else, let us start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole
Next, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. When heated, sauté one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves for about two minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
After that, add two drained cans of green chilies, one can of diced tomatoes (undrained), one can of cream of mushroom soup and one can of cream of chicken soup. Mix the ingredients together until smooth.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Now it’s time for the main ingredient, which is shredded cooked chicken. Add four cups of cooked chicken into the skillet and stir it into the mixture.
Step 5: Layering Process Begins
Use nonstick cooking spray to coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly. The first layer will be corn tortillas; arrange three to four corn tortillas on top of greased baking dish.
Step 6: Add Cream Mixture
Next, spoon about a third of the cream mixture on top of the tortillas and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle Shredded Cheese
Sprinkle with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the creamy layer.
Step 8: Repeat Layers
Repeat layering process as follows:
- Corn Tortillas
- Cream Mixture
- Shredded Cheese
Until all ingredients were used up.
Step 9: Final Layering Process
After layering all ingredients, sprinkle with chopped green chilies undrained, which would add more flavor and kick to this delicious meal.
Step 10: Baked it until golden brown!
Lastly, bake for about 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Take it out from the oven and let cool for five minutes before serving. Serve with hot egg noodles or steamed rice for a hearty dinner feast!
Substitutions and Variations
As a seasoned cook, I understand that sometimes you don’t have all the ingredients, and sometimes a little switch up in recipe can breathe new life into an old classic. So let me share with you some substitutions and variations for this chicken ole casserole recipe.
Firstly, you could take your taste buds on a trip down south by replacing the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack. Or if you’re feeling daring, try a mix of the two. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can tone down the heat by using mild salsa and omitting the green chilies.
In place of boneless skinless chicken breast, feel free to use chicken thighs or leftover turkey for that matter. For an even quicker and easier dish, use pre-cooked shredded chicken from your local deli or rotisserie chicken from your grocery store.
Want to add some extra vegetables? Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels to the mix, and you can also replace the corn tortillas with flour tortillas.
For those who prefer a creamier casserole, substitute one can of cream chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, add a dollop of sour cream or mix in some diced avocado for added creaminess.
Lastly, if you’re looking to make this recipe even more versatile or serve it at another type of gathering besides a dinner party try presenting it in individual ramekins or muffin tins for appetizers portion sizes.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to making any recipe your own – don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients until you find what works best for your palate!
Serving and Pairing
When it’s time to serve this Chicken Ole Casserole recipe, you better prepare to have your guests’ mouths watering with excitement! This casserole is packed with bold flavors and creamy textures that make it a surefire crowd-pleaser.
The Chicken Ole Casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, adding a refreshing and light element to the dish. You could also add some more color and texture by serving it alongside a colorful vegetable medley or roasted squash.
If you’re feeling adventurous, pair the casserole with some couscous or brown rice to complement its savory flavors. For an even richer and indulgent experience, try topping it off with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Whether you’re looking for a main course option for lunch or dinner, this Chicken Ole Casserole recipe will surely satisfy any craving for hearty and comforting food. With its bold flavors and versatility of pairing options, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any party or gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, my dear ones, because I’m about to impart some wisdom on you that is just as essential as the recipe itself. One absolute game-changer when it comes to hosting a big party or feeding guests or family members is preparing dishes in advance. That is why we have prepared some tips for making ahead, storing, and reheating this Chicken Ole Casserole Recipe.
First things first, let’s talk about making ahead. If you’re a busy bee and want to be able to spend more time enjoying your guests than cooking in the kitchen, then listen carefully. You can make this yummy dish ahead of time and either freeze it unbaked or chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Just be sure to follow the recipe instructions until you’ve completed step 4, and then cover the casserole tightly with foil and put it in the freezer or fridge. You can keep it in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking it or freeze it for up to one month. When you’re ready to heat it up, follow the same baking instructions (covered with foil) but add an extra 10-15 minutes if cooking from frozen.
Now let’s dive into storing leftovers. Whether it’s because you made too much or because you just don’t want to share with anyone else (I don’t blame you), leftovers of this dish store very well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to store them for longer, they’ll last up to 3 months in your freezer.
Finally, reheating leftovers requires a bit of care and attention to avoid dry chicken bits and burned cheese parts. Simply reheat leftover portions of this casserole either in a preheated oven at around 350°F for about 10-15 minutes (covered with foil). Or in a microwave-safe dish covering with a damp paper towel and microwaving on half power at 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Well, folks, there you have it – some tips and tricks that will make your life easier (and your guests happier) when it comes to cooking Chicken Ole Casserole Recipe ahead of time and serving leftovers. Now go forth and impress everyone with your culinary skills!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the hang of my flavorful chicken ole casserole, I’m going to let you in on a few insider tips that are sure to take your cooking game to the next level.
To make this dish even cheesier, I suggest using sharp cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar. Also, feel free to mix up the different types of cheese and experiment with your own custom blend.
When it comes to the chicken filling, using bone-in chicken breasts will produce a more tender and juicy texture, but be sure to remove the bones before shredding. And if you’re pressed for time, using cooked shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken will work just as well.
To avoid soggy tortillas at the bottom of your casserole while baking, briefly heat both sides of the tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave before assembling the casserole. This helps prevent them from soaking up too much moisture from the other ingredients.
For an added kick of flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your salsa mixture. Just be careful not to go too heavy-handed with it if you’re sensitive to spice.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings such as diced avocado, cilantro leaves, or even crushed tortilla chips before serving. The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish!
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, this Chicken Ole Casserole recipe is a must-try for any home chef who wants to impress their guests with a flavorful and comforting dish. With its cheesy and creamy texture, paired with the bold flavors of salsa and green chilies, this casserole will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your party.
Whether you are a fan of Mexican cuisine, the King Ranch casserole, or just looking for a new way to enjoy chicken, this recipe will not disappoint. And with its flexible ingredient list and easy-to-follow instructions, you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Plus, the fact that you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer makes it a convenient option for busy hosts who want to spend more time enjoying the party than cooking in the kitchen.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a masterpiece. Your taste buds (and guests) will thank you for it.
Chicken Ole Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 corn tortillas, sliced into strips
- 1/2-1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
- 1 (7 ounce) jar salsa (homemade or commercial and you determine how hot)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer with half the tortilla strips and half the chicken; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the soup, milk, onion, garlic, chiles, and salsa; mix well.
- Spread over the chicken.
- Layer with remaining tortilla strips and chicken.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake in a 300° oven for 1 1/2 hours.
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!