Zesty Chicken Rotel
This Zesty Chicken Rotel combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and bold Rotel tomatoes for a one-dish meal that’s both versatile and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet taco seasoning
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the taco seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until it melts. Gradually mix in cream of chicken soup and remaining taco seasoning, stirring until smooth.
- Add the Zesty Rotel: Pour in both cans of Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine and Bake: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to coat with sauce. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra tender chicken, marinate in lime juice and taco seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust spiciness by using original or mild Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream for a creamier dish.
- Add a crispy topping by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips over the cheese before baking.
- Reheats well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
