Chicken Surprise Recipe
Description: This Chicken Surprise recipe is a delightful Tex-Mex-inspired dish that originated from a spontaneous Sunday dinner creation. It’s a crowd-pleaser, cherished by both adults and grandchildren alike, for its simplicity, spiciness, and hearty satisfaction. Perfect for busy days when you need a meal-in-one solution, this dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Low-fat cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Low-fat cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Corn tortillas | 9 or more |
| Milk | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
| Red pepper (optional) | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 440.8
- Fat Content: 28.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 13.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 143.1mg
- Sodium Content: 419mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 3.4g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 0.1g
- Protein Content: 40.3g
Cooking Instructions:
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Boil Chicken Breast: Start by boiling the chicken breasts until they are tender and fully cooked. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Once cooked, remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the remaining ingredients.
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Prepare Tortillas: Cut at least 9 corn tortillas into thin strips. This will form the base and layers of your dish, providing a delicious texture and absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients.
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Prepare Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with low-fat cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Layer Tortilla Strips: Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the cut tortilla strips until the bottom is fully covered.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small skillet, melt the low-fat cream cheese along with the jar of cheese with chilies over medium heat. Stir in milk gradually until the mixture reaches a sauce-like consistency. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper to taste.
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Assemble the Dish: Break the boiled chicken into small pieces and layer them on top of the tortilla strips in the baking dish. Alternate layers of chicken and tortilla strips until the dish is filled, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
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Add Cheese Topping: Once the layers are complete, pour the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the top of the dish, ensuring all areas are covered. Sprinkle the low-fat cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
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Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the Chicken Surprise from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your Chicken Surprise! 🍗🧀🌶️
