Looking for a dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the crunchy delight of tortilla chips, all wrapped up in a spicy, cheesy embrace? Look no further than this Spicy Chicken-Tortilla Chip Casserole. Perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 3 cups, cooked and shredded
- Tortilla Chips: 4 cups, roughly crushed
- Salsa: 2 cups, choose your preferred level of spiciness
- Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Corn: 1 cup, frozen or canned
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced for a pop of color
- Jalapeños: 2, seeded and finely chopped for extra heat
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened to blend easily
- Sour Cream: 1 cup, for creaminess
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (Mexican blend or cheddar), divided
- Cilantro: A handful, chopped for garnishing
- Spices: 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped jalapeños, salsa, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the cream cheese and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Layer the Casserole: Start with a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom of the greased baking dish, using about half of the chips. Spread the chicken mixture over the chips. Top with the remaining tortilla chips, and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh contrast to the spicy, cheesy flavors.
Conclusion
This Spicy Chicken-Tortilla Chip Casserole is the epitome of comfort food with a twist. The layers of crunchy tortilla chips, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy elements make each bite exciting and satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit your heat preference or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Serve this casserole with a side salad or a dollop of guacamole for a complete meal that will delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with inviting aromas. Perfect for any night of the week, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Spicy Chicken-Tortilla Chip Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Spicy Chicken-Tortilla Chip Casserole combines layers of crunchy tortilla chips, spicy chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, creating a deliciously hearty dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a comforting dinner or as a festive potluck contribution.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 bag (about 10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the enchilada sauce, salsa, sour cream, diced onion, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked chicken.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the tortilla chips, followed by half the chicken mixture, and then half the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Top with sliced jalapeño if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Add black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the dish
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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