Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole
4 - 6 servings This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is a weeknight hero! It comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it a perfect meal when you're short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying. x saved Chef Jeff Cool Cook October 8, 2024 45 min.45 min.1/5 45 min. 45 min. 1/5 Ingredients: Sauce: 2 TBSP of olive oil (adjust if needed)1 onion - peeled and chopped (large and any kind)1 green bell pepper - chopped1 red bell pepper - choppedOptionally: 1 jalapeño pepper (chili) - chopped (spicy)2 cloves of garlic - peeled and minced2 TSP of cumin powder2 TSP of dried oregano½ TSP of black pepper28 FL OZ of tomato sauce - canned1 cup of chicken stock (or beef or vegetable)3 TBSP of tabasco sauce (or other hot sauce) 2 TBSP of olive oil (adjust if needed) 1 onion - peeled and chopped (large and any kind) 1 green bell pepper - chopped 1 red bell pepper - chopped Optionally: 1 jalapeño pepper (chili) - chopped (spicy) 2 cloves of garlic - peeled and minced 2 TSP of cumin powder 2 TSP of dried oregano ½ TSP of black pepper 28 FL OZ of tomato sauce - canned 1 cup of chicken stock (or beef or vegetable) 3 TBSP of tabasco sauce (or other hot sauce) Tools: 1x Measuring Cups1x Measuring Spoons1x Chef’s knife1x Cutting Board1x Fry Pan1x Wooden Spoon or High-Temperature Silicone Spatula1x Baking Dish (Baking Pan), Lasagna Pan or Oval au Gratin (size about 9x13 inch ) 1x Measuring Cups 1x Measuring Spoons 1x Chef’s knife 1x Cutting Board 1x Fry Pan 1x Wooden Spoon or High-Temperature Silicone Spatula 1x Baking Dish (Baking Pan), Lasagna Pan or Oval au Gratin (size about 9x13 inch ) Directions: 1. Get started: Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Preheat oven to 350°F Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. 2. Cook the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, oregano, and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken stock, and tabasco sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, oregano, and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken stock, and tabasco sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes. 3. Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of sauce in the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/3 of the tortilla chips, 1/3 of the chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, and 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Repeat layers twice more, ending with tortilla chips and cheese. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/3 of the tortilla chips, 1/3 of the chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, and 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Repeat layers twice more, ending with tortilla chips and cheese. 4. Bake and serve: Bake for 25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Bake for 25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole: A Deep Dive into Weeknight Deliciousness Detailed information for readers. Read more The Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole. It’s a name that rolls off the tongue with a comforting familiarity, evoking images of warm, cheesy, and satisfying meals. This isn’t just your average casserole; it’s a culinary symphony of textures and flavors, a dish that effortlessly combines the crunch of tortilla chips, the savory depth of chicken, and the gooey melt of cheese, all enveloped in a vibrant, spicy sauce. And the best part? This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it the perfect hero for busy weeknights. Why This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole Reigns Supreme In the realm of quick and easy dinners, this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole stands out for a multitude of reasons: Speed and Simplicity: Life can get hectic, and sometimes elaborate meals are simply out of the question. That’s where this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole shines. In just 45 minutes, you can have a complete, flavorful meal on the table, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean time-consuming. Ingredient Accessibility: Forget about scouring specialty stores for obscure ingredients. This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole champions simplicity, relying on readily available pantry staples and supermarket finds. It’s a testament to the fact that incredible meals can be created with everyday ingredients. A Canvas for Creativity: While the base recipe is undeniably delicious, this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is also a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel like adding a dollop of sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast? Go for it! Craving the fresh zest of salsa? Absolutely! Perhaps a generous scoop of guacamole is your calling? This casserole welcomes it all. Universal Appeal: This isn’t a dish that caters to just one palate; it’s a universal crowd-pleaser. Kids will adore the cheesy, crunchy goodness, while adults will appreciate the complex flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Speed and Simplicity: Life can get hectic, and sometimes elaborate meals are simply out of the question. That’s where this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole shines. In just 45 minutes, you can have a complete, flavorful meal on the table, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean time-consuming. Ingredient Accessibility: Forget about scouring specialty stores for obscure ingredients. This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole champions simplicity, relying on readily available pantry staples and supermarket finds. It’s a testament to the fact that incredible meals can be created with everyday ingredients. A Canvas for Creativity: While the base recipe is undeniably delicious, this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is also a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel like adding a dollop of sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast? Go for it! Craving the fresh zest of salsa? Absolutely! Perhaps a generous scoop of guacamole is your calling? This casserole welcomes it all. Universal Appeal: This isn’t a dish that caters to just one palate; it’s a universal crowd-pleaser. Kids will adore the cheesy, crunchy goodness, while adults will appreciate the complex flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Deconstructing the Deliciousness: A Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole Creating this culinary masterpiece involves four straightforward stages: Setting the Stage: Setting the Stage: Before you embark on your Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole journey, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for culinary success. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature for baking your casserole to golden perfection. Next, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This crucial step prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures effortless serving. Crafting the Flavor Foundation: The Sauce: Crafting the Flavor Foundation: The Sauce: The soul of this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole lies in its vibrant, flavorful sauce. Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers with anticipation, add the chopped onions and bell peppers (and a jalapeño if you desire a fiery kick). Sauté these aromatic vegetables until they soften, releasing their sweetness and creating a fragrant base for the sauce. Next, introduce the minced garlic, along with ground cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper. Allow these spices to bloom in the heat, infusing the kitchen with their warm, earthy aromas. This symphony of spices adds depth and complexity to the sauce, elevating it beyond the ordinary. Now, it’s time to introduce the stars of the sauce: canned tomato sauce, rich chicken stock, and a generous dash of Tabasco or your preferred hot sauce. The tomato sauce provides a tangy backbone, while the chicken stock adds richness and depth. The hot sauce introduces a fiery kick, awakening the taste buds and adding a delightful complexity. Allow this symphony of flavors to simmer for 12 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and harmonize, creating a sauce that’s both vibrant and nuanced. Building the Masterpiece: Assembling the Casserole: Building the Masterpiece: Assembling the Casserole: With the flavorful sauce simmering away, it’s time to assemble your Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole. Start by spreading a thin layer of the luscious sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This initial layer acts as a flavorful foundation, ensuring that every bite is infused with the sauce’s vibrant essence. Now, the layering begins! Start with a layer of crunchy tortilla chips, their texture providing a delightful contrast to the softness of the other ingredients. Next, add a generous layer of shredded chicken, its savory notes complementing the spices in the sauce. Follow this with a cascade of shredded cheese, its melty goodness promising a symphony of cheesy delight. Finally, blanket this layer with another generous coating of the flavorful sauce. Repeat this process twice more, creating a multi-layered masterpiece of textures and flavors. Culminate your creation with a final flourish of tortilla chips and cheese, ensuring a golden, crispy top layer that will beckon with irresistible appeal. The Culinary Crescendo: Baking and Serving: The Culinary Crescendo: Baking and Serving: With your Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole assembled, it’s time for the final act: baking. Slide your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese has transformed into a bubbling, golden blanket. As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the layers to settle, the flavors to further meld, and the casserole to reach its peak deliciousness. Serving Suggestions: A World of Possibilities: The beauty of this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the Classics: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, while a sprinkle of fresh salsa adds a zesty, vibrant kick. Avocado Extravaganza: Guacamole lovers, this casserole is your dream come true. A generous scoop of creamy, flavorful guacamole elevates this dish to new heights. Beyond the Basics: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat. Complete the Meal: While the Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad adds a refreshing touch, while roasted vegetables provide a hearty and nutritious complement. Embrace the Classics: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, while a sprinkle of fresh salsa adds a zesty, vibrant kick. Avocado Extravaganza: Guacamole lovers, this casserole is your dream come true. A generous scoop of creamy, flavorful guacamole elevates this dish to new heights. Beyond the Basics: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat. Complete the Meal: While the Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad adds a refreshing touch, while roasted vegetables provide a hearty and nutritious complement. Tips and Tricks for Casserole Mastery: Rotisserie Shortcut: For ultimate convenience, use rotisserie chicken. This eliminates the need for cooking and shredding chicken, saving you precious time. Cheese Exploration: While the recipe suggests a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a classic melt, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a salty bite – the choice is yours! Spice Customization: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired level of heat. Remember, it’s easier to add heat than to take it away! Leftover Love: This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is just as delicious the next day. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Rotisserie Shortcut: For ultimate convenience, use rotisserie chicken. This eliminates the need for cooking and shredding chicken, saving you precious time. Cheese Exploration: While the recipe suggests a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a classic melt, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a salty bite – the choice is yours! Spice Customization: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired level of heat. Remember, it’s easier to add heat than to take it away! Leftover Love: This Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is just as delicious the next day. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. With its effortless preparation, accessible ingredients, and endless customization options, this Chicken Tortilla Chip Casserole is a true weeknight hero. It’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul, bringing comfort and satisfaction with every cheesy, crunchy bite. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of this culinary gem. Read less About the Author: Chef JeffCool Cook # 7 32 Followers Published Recipes: 18Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Florida, USAMember since: 2024-09-15 Published Recipes: 18 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Florida, USA Member since: 2024-09-15 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions. 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The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines). Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation. Improper performance of cooking techniques. Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe. Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding. The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product. Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions). Typos. All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. They must ensure that the ingredients and steps fit with their dietary restrictions and avoid preparation methods that could pose a health risk due to an unsuitable diet.