Sunday, November 25, 2012

Dishes for Friends in Need #HelpingHands #SundaySupper...Featuring San Antonio Chicken Tortilla Bake

This week's #SundaySupper theme is #Helping Hands/Dishes for Friends in Need. We're focusing on those impacted by Hurricane Sandy along the East Coast by sharing comforting dishes and providing links for those who would like to donate to hurricane relief efforts. I grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast, so I know first-hand how scary and devastating hurricanes and flooding tropical storms can be. It's such a helpless feeling to watch the water rise and come into your home and not be able to do a thing about it...and pray that some of your most cherished possessions will still be there once the waters recede. In times of sadness and loss, sometimes a hot and comforting meal is just what a person needs. Sustenance that fills your stomach and warms your soul. To me, noting says comfort quite like a casserole. My San Antonio Chicken Tortilla Bake is comfort in a casserole dish: layers of tortillas, creamy chicken, corn, salsa, and lots of melted cheese. 

Before you click over to the next page for this awesome recipe, please take a few minutes to consider donating to the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. Many families along the Atlantic Coast lost everything they own in this hurricane. To me, the loss is just compounded by the fact that this storm happened so close to the holiday season. As we're safe inside our warm homes, some of our fellow Americans aren't that fortunate. To donate to Hopeforce International, please click on the blue logo. To donate to the New Jersey Relief Fund, please click on the green logo. If you've found yourself watching the news and wondering what you can do, this is a great way to help these areas rebuild stronger and better than before! According to New Jersey's First Lady: 

~Hurricane Sandy has brought unthinkable devastation to parts of our Garden State, destroying homes, businesses and some of New Jersey’s most identifiable icons. The Governor and I have organized this relief fund to aide, comfort, and rebuild New Jersey. The images and stories of the damage are heartbreaking. In the aftermath, I urge you to support our friends, neighbors and communities impacted by the storm. They need our help and need it quickly. Thank you for your generosity. We are strong and resilient. We are proud New Jerseyans. —First Lady Mary Pat Christie




Thank you for your time and consideration...now, let's make a delicious soul-satisfying casserole! This recipe is easy to make using leftover roasted chicken...or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey. You can adjust the heat level by raising or lowering the spiciness of the salsa layer. It's pretty adaptable...and totally delish!

San Antonio Chicken Tortilla Bake
adapted from Campbell's Kitchen

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375. Coarsely crumble approximately 2 cups of tortilla chips and place in an even layer in a casserole dish; set aside. Combine the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl: 2 cups shredded chicken or turkey breast, 1/2 can of reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, 1 cup shredded Velveeta, 1/3 cup chopped onion, and 1 tbs. chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Carefully spread the chicken mixture in an even layer over the chips in the casserole dish. Combine 1 1/3 cup thawed frozen corn kernels, the other 1/2 can of the soup, and 1 tbs. of your favorite Mexican spice blend -- I used a fajita seasoning blend. Stir well to combine and spread this mixture evenly on top of the chicken in the casserole. Top with 1 cup of salsa (I used Pace medium). 
Step 3: Bake until the mixture begins to bubble, about 25-30 minutes. Take out of oven, top with 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and cook for another 10-15 minutes...until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Just before serving, top with chopped Roma tomato and sliced green onion. The pop of color is pretty, but it also adds a nice bit of flavor to the finished product. To serve, spoon the casserole into bowls. I serve chopped avocado and sour cream on the side for those who want to add it on.
That's it! This casserole is the epitome of comfort: cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor. The texture of this reminds me a bit of enchiladas, but much less work to assemble. We like to add a handful of crumbled tortilla chips on the top of each bowl for a nice crunchy contrast...it's totally optional, but that's how I prefer it! If you plan to make this casserole to take to someone in need, you can place it in an aluminum pan, cover with foil, and freeze. Either thaw before baking or adjust the cooking time if cooking from frozen.

Make sure to join the #SundaySupper bloggers for a live Twitter chat this evening at 600 CST. We'll be discussing how foods can comfort us and sharing our favorite comforting dishes. In the meantime, make sure to check out all these fabulous recipes that they are sharing!
Breakfast and Brunch:
Comforting Casseroles and Entrées:
Warming Soups and Sides:
Sweet Endings:


24 comments:

  1. I think I could dive in to this casserole and eat my way out. Oh such cheesy goodness. Mmmmm...

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    1. I always know a dish is a "keeper" if hubby asks for seconds. This one, he asked for THIRDS!

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    1. I'm lucky I got one serving...I thought Michael would grab the pan and a spoon and go to town! This one is really quick, so would be perfect for school/work nights...especially during the hectic holidays.

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  3. This sounds, and looks so good. Comfort in a dish. Yum! ~ Bea @galactopdx

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  4. i remember when you used to make something a little less complex back in the day. i loved it! this looks even better!
    xo

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    1. Yes...Chicken Dorito, which is an easy version of King Ranch Chicken. This only takes about 15 minutes to assemble and makes quite a bit...I'm betting your bunch would like it. Just adjust the spice to mild salsa to tame the heat a bit.

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  5. Mmmmm...that is a total and complete comfort dish - it looks so cheesy and delicious!

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    1. I could've used less cheese, but figured why not just go for it?!?!?

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  6. Love how cheesy and comforting this looks!I would enjoy a big fat serving of this right now :)YUMM....

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    1. I can be lighted further by using baked tortilla chips and reduced-fat cheese...maybe cut back on the amount of cheese as well.

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  7. I love this casserole! Great ingredients together, and absolutely good for a crisis. Thanks for this recipe Wendy!

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    1. These are ingredients that I pretty much have on hand all the time, so this super simple to throw together last minute. I'm betting that ground turkey would also work fine.

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  8. Wendy,
    This dish is pure comfort food with all that cheesy goodness. We make enchiladas, but this recipe looks less time consuming! Have to make it soon.

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    1. Similar flavor...much less work! Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving, Becky!

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  9. Oh my heavens this looks so good, my mouth is watering.

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    1. It's not truly authentic Mexican food, but it is very tasty! We enjoyed it a lot...

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  10. This looks fantastic, Wendy! Even the hubby would want seconds :) Perfect comfort food for those in need...and an excellent dinner idea for those not!

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  11. oh my goodness. This dish looks and sounds fabulous. So comforting and all that gooey cheese. Delicous!

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  12. Look at all that cheese! I think I know what I am doing with some of my leftover turkey. :)

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I love hearing your feedback!!!