Tortilla Casserole

Source: Cooking for Two

I continue to LOVE this cookbook by America's Test Kitchen. Everything I've tried from it has been stellar, and although I always like to have leftovers for lunches, it's nice to have a cookbook with portions for two! This recipe intrigued me since it was a casserole, but it was made and finished in one skillet. It also lacked any cream-of-anything soup, which is certainly rare! Casserole + one dish to clean = win! This was such a satisfying meal. I've never cooked with chipotle chile in adobo sauce (canned, in the Mexican section of your grocery store), and there's a reason you should only add one to two teaspoons. I stuck my finger in the can as soon as I opened it to get a taste, and immediately started choking and my eyes started burning. It's got some kick! We used one teaspoon, which was enough spice for us. If you REALLY love spicy food, add the additional teaspoon!

If you have more to serve, this could easily be doubled. Simply make the increased ingredients in a larger 12-inch skillet, and then transfer to a glass baking dish to broil.

This is great served right from the skillet, or topped with sour cream...yum!

Tortilla Casserole

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-2 teaspoons minced chipotle chile in adobo sauce

1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

5 ounces tortilla chips, broken into one-inch pieces (about 5 cups)

1 tomato, cored, seeded, and chopped medium

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Adjust an oven rack to about 6 inches below the broiler unit, and heat the broiler. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, shallot, garlic, chipotle, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.

3. Stir in half of the tortilla chips. Nestle the chicken into the broth and chips, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until the thickest part of the breast registers 160 to 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a carving board. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

4. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet along with the tomato, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the cilantro. Stir in the remaining tortilla chips until moistened.

5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and place and skillet in the oven. Broil until golden, 5 to 10 minutes. Using potholders, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining cilantro and serve.