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Pastel Azteca (Mexican Chicken Casserole) Recipe

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3.8 from 77 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Pastel Azteca is a traditional Mexican layered casserole featuring corn tortillas, tender shredded chicken, vibrant salsa verde or red salsa, creamy sour cream, melted cheese, and sweet onions. This comforting, flavorful dish resembles a Mexican-style lasagna and is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 12–16 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups salsa verde or red salsa
  • 1 cup sour cream or crema
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, Oaxaca, or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup beans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare the Base Layer: Grease a baking dish lightly, then spread a layer of corn tortillas evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  3. Add the Filling Layers: Over the tortillas, layer the shredded chicken, then spoon on salsa verde or red salsa, followed by dollops of sour cream or crema. Sprinkle shredded cheese and arrange the sliced onions evenly on top. If using, add corn and beans in this step as well.
  4. Repeat Layers: Continue layering tortillas, chicken, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and onions until all ingredients are used, creating multiple layers.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Spread a generous layer of shredded cheese on top of the final tortilla layer to ensure a bubbly, golden topping after baking.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Serve with avocado slices and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For extra depth of flavor, add roasted poblano peppers between the layers.
  • Serve with fresh avocado and cilantro for added freshness and color.
  • You can customize the casserole by adding optional ingredients like corn and beans for texture and nutrition.
  • Using corn tortillas helps keep the dish gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/pastel-azteca-mexican-chicken-casserole-recipe/