Go Back
–+ servings
"Paelo Conquesto"
Paelo Conquesto is a comforting baked casserole blending Southwestern flavors with a classic American-style creaminess. Featuring tender chicken, hearty tortillas, and layers of melted sharp cheddar, this dish combines convenience ingredients like canned soups and green chile salsa into a rich, satisfying meal. The name may hint at a playful take on “paleoconquistador,” suggesting a rustic, fusion-style dish fit for hearty appetites. Loved for its make-ahead convenience and layered flavor, it's a nostalgic nod to mid-century potluck favorites.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 454 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 21 oz cream of mushroom soup (2 cans)
  • 10½ oz cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 onion (grated)
  • 4 oz green chile salsa (Ortega brand, 1 can)
  • 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 6 oz pitted ripe olives (sliced)
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Bake Chicken

  • Wash chicken and place each breast in a large square of heavy-duty foil.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
  • Let cool in foil.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

  • Grate the onion and cheese.
  • Cut tortillas into 1-inch squares.
  • Slice olives if not pre-sliced.

Step 3: Mix Casserole Filling

  • Remove chicken from foil and cut into large chunks.
  • In a large bowl, combine soups, salsa, onion, olives, chicken, and half of the cheese.
  • Stir in tortilla pieces.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

  • Transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch Pyrex casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.

Step 5: Bake Casserole

  • Bake at 300°F for 1.5 hours.
  • Serve hot.

Tips

  • Shred the chicken instead of chunking it for a softer, more cohesive casserole.
  • Substitute Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder flavor.
  • Add a small can of diced green chiles for extra heat.
  • Use flour tortillas if a softer texture is preferred.
  • Let the casserole sit 10 to 15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
  • This dish freezes well before baking; thaw overnight before cooking.
  • Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
  • Top with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 1394mgPotassium: 563mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 674IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 368mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken casserole, comfort food, family gathering, make-ahead dinner, retro recipe, vintage casserole
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!