Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not just food; it’s a warm hug in a dish. Remember those Tuna Noodle casseroles your grandma used to make? Well, this Green Chile Chicken Casserole is like that, but with a serious upgrade. We’re talking creamy, cheesy, and packing a gentle heat from those glorious green chiles. It’s so ridiculously easy to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to want this in your regular rotation!
What is green chili chicken casserole?
Think of Green Chile Chicken Casserole as the Ultimate Comfort Food. It’s essentially a baked dish with shredded chicken and sour cream. We’re talking about creamy sauce. What is cream of chicken soup? Why not eat lots of cheese, and, of course, those flavor-packed green chiles. What does the name mean? Is it fancy, is it fussy? What is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, and it’s so easy to customize to your taste. What is your family’ Is it a hug in the pan?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let’s break down why this Green Chile Chicken Casserole is about to become your new best friend. First off, the flavor. Oh. My. Goodness. The green chiles add this wonderful warmth and slight kick that’s just addictive. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy, just perfectly balanced with the creamy sauce and savory chicken. Secondly, this is seriously one of the easiest recipes I know. You can even use rotisserie chicken to save even more time (which is what I usually do, let’s be honest!). Everything gets mixed together, dumped into a pan, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. Seriously, what’s not to love?
What I love most is how budget-friendly this casserole is. Chicken, canned soup, sour cream, cheese, and chiles are all pretty affordable ingredients. Plus, it makes a ton, so you’ll definitely have leftovers for lunch (which, by the way, are just as delicious the next day!). It’s also incredibly versatile. You can add corn, black beans, or even some chopped tomatoes to customize it to your liking. If you’re craving a southwestern style dinner but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen this casserole is the way to go. Honestly, it’s just the perfect balance of flavor, ease, and affordability. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will love! You can even use it as a topping for nachos, it’s that good!
How do I make green chili chicken casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Green Chile Chicken Casserole is seriously a breeze. You basically just mix everything together in a bowl, pour it into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. The best part? You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to make it even quicker! This is definitely one of those recipes that you can throw together in minutes and have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. It’s simplicity at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
* 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, undrained (I use mild, but you can use hot if you like!)
* 1 cup sour cream (full-fat is best for flavor and texture)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (plus more for topping!)
* ½ cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch and it works great!)
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. What are some tips for cleaning a casserole pan? What is the first step you should skip?
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, green chiles, sour cream, 12 cup water, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Set aside. What is the recipe for shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt and pepper? How do you stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy? I always give it a taste at this point to see if it needs any more seasoning. Sometimes I add a little garlic powder or chili powder for extra flavor.
Step 3: Pour into Pan
How do you spread the chicken mixture in a baking dish? Make sure it’s nicely distributed so everyone gets a good portion of chicken and chiles!
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 12 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, add extra cheese! I sometimes like to use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor. How do you get creative with your ideas?
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. What is the best way to get a golden brown skin? Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary slightly.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you set cheese up? Then, slice it up and serve it hot! I love to add a dollop of sour cream and chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor and texture.
What is the best way to serve it?
Green Chile Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a variety of other dishes. What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a complete meal:A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is able to complement the rich casserole. What are some healthy side dishes to serve with roasted vegetables or Green Beans?
For a Southwestern Fiesta: forIf you’re feeling extra festive, serve it with some Mexican rice and refried beans. What are some good salsas to add to a fiesta?
For a Cozy Night In:What do you need for a cozy night in? In that case, serve the casserole with a side of cornbread or some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. I sometimes serve it with a warm bowl of chili too!
What are the possibilities? What are some of the best recipes for casseroles? Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find your favorites.
How do I make a green chili chicken casserole?
What are some tips and tricks I can use to make sure my green Chile is a good place to live? What makes a good chicken casserole?
Chicken Prep:Is it possible to cook your own rotisserie chicken? If you’re using a potato, make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the casserole. Can you boil it, bake it or grill it?
Green Chiles:I usually use mild green chiles because my family isn’t a huge fan of spicy food, but you can use them in any recipe. If you like a little extra kick, use hot green chiles. Add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapenos for even more heat.
Cheese Choice:What are some good substitutes for cheddar cheese in this casserole? Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination!
What is the creaminessIf you want a creamier casserole, you can add sour cream or milk. What are some good ways to use cream cheese for a decadent flavor? I’ve used Greek yogurt in a pinch and it works great!
Baking Time:What is the baking time of a casserole? How do you make sure the cheese doesn’t burn? When the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, it’s done.
Resting Time:Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving will allow for the cheese to set up nicely. How do I stop my nose from getting runny? Plus, it’ll be easier to slice and serve!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftover Green Chile Chicken Casserole (which is rare! How do I store it and reheat it?
Refrigerator storage:What is the best way to store a casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
How do I useCan you freeze the casserole for longer storage? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:To reheat the casserole, you can either microwave it or bake it in the oven. If microwaving, heat it in 1-minute intervals until heated through. If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Thawing:If you’re reheating a frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before freezing. How do I heat a car more evenly?
What are the most frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Green Chile Chicken Casserole Recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite! It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. What more could you ask for? Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is always a hit. If you love the flavors of the Southwest as much as I do then you will go crazy for this one!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other casserole recipes! I have a creamy macaroni and cheese casserole recipe that is so cheesy it will blow your mind! I truly can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!