Monday, January 25, 2010

My Girl, Paula: Poultry




This week's My Girl, Paula: Poultry theme gave me the perfect opportunity to try out a recipe I've been eyeing for a while--Mexican Chicken.  I took the opportunity to substitute lower fat ingredients when possible, and I threw in a handful of cilantro, jalapeño, and green onion to liven things up.  Maybe it's my slight tendency towards OCD, but I just couldn't bring myself to place those round tortillas in a rectangular pan!  I baked mine up in two 8" foil pans instead, and stashed one in the freezer for later in the month.


Mexican Chicken (serves 8-10)
Paula Deen's original recipe found here 

1 can 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken soup
1 can 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 can Rotel® tomatoes & chiles, undrained
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
finely diced jalapeño, to taste
4 cups leftover chopped cooked chicken (can use a rotisserie chicken) 
8 (8-inch) Hi-fiber flour tortillas
8 oz. package shredded 2% milk Mexican blend cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Lightly spray two 8" round pans with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, combine three cans of soup.  Stir in tomatoes & chiles, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño, if using.  Mix in chopped chicken pieces.

Begin layering in pans, starting with tortillas.  Alternate layers of tortillas with chicken filling, ending with tortillas.  Top with shredded cheese.  Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.  Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.

9 comments:

  1. This looks good ~ I think have made something similar before but we called it King Ranch chicken. Too funny about the pan OCD :)

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  2. HA! Don't worry, I know that feeling. I bought round cake pans and then a square cake stand. So I had to go out and buy square cake pans. :)

    That picture looks delicious! You make amazing food.

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  3. I too would have a hard time putting a round tortilla in a rectangular pan!

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  4. Yummy. I've had this before but never made it. I should
    put it on next weeks menu. I'm getting very excited for our V-Day exhange!

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  5. I just had dinner and yet somehow I'm salivating (honestly) over this dish! I love how creamy/cheesy it looks!

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  6. Your pic made the dish look great! I love that you made one and froze one for later. I love when I find a recipe where that works. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. This sounds yummy. Paula is the greatest!

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  8. Thanks for the kind words, ladies! It was indeed delicious & cheesey, but I think I would like it with corn tortillas better. Also, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who has "pan OCD" LOL

    cookies and cups - I've heard of King Ranch Chicken but have never made nor eaten it. Just looked up a recipe for it, and you're right--they are very similar!

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  9. I haven't seen this Paula recipe before, but it looks to die for! I love all the ingredients, especially when mixed together:D

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