Chicken Tortilla Bake Recipe
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
This Chicken Tortilla Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, zesty green chilies, and savory black olives. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you’re entertaining guests, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 can | Green chilies |
| 1 can | Black olives, sliced |
| 1 cup | Chicken broth |
| 1 | Onion, chopped |
| 12 | Corn tortillas |
| 2 cans | Cream of chicken soup |
| 1 pound | Monterey Jack cheese, shredded |
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 481.6
- Total Fat: 24.8g
- Saturated Fat: 10.4g
- Cholesterol: 90.1mg
- Sodium: 1158.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugars: 3.2g
- Protein: 32.9g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breasts, green chilies, half of the sliced black olives, chicken broth, chopped onion, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Tortillas:
- Warm the corn tortillas according to the package instructions, usually in the microwave. This step helps to soften them for easier layering in the baking dish.
-
Assemble the Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or oil.
- Place half of the warmed tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed to cover the bottom evenly.
-
Layer the Chicken Tortilla Bake:
- Spoon half of the prepared chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken mixture, spreading it out to cover evenly.
-
Repeat the Layers:
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
-
Bake the Chicken Tortilla Bake:
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baked Chicken Tortilla Bake from the oven. Garnish with the remaining sliced black olives for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve hot, portioning onto plates to enjoy this delicious and comforting meal.
Tips for Success:
- Tortilla Preparation: Ensure the corn tortillas are warmed before layering to prevent them from cracking.
- Cheese Melting: If the cheese isn’t fully melted after baking, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly topping.
- Customization: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, or jalapeños for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Tortilla Bake pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. It’s also great alongside tortilla chips and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex inspired meal.
Conclusion:
With its layers of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and the subtle heat from green chilies, this Chicken Tortilla Bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it offers a satisfying and flavorful experience that everyone will love. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish straight from your oven to the table! 🍽️
