mexican chicken lasagna

( Image from Taste of home)

Mexican Chicken "Lasagna"

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Ingredients:

1/4 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese

2 cups (8 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

1 medium onion (about 2/3 cup chopped)

1 can (28 oz) enchilada sauce

12 (6-in.) corn tortillas

3 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken

Additional chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Directions:

1. Chop cilantro. Microwave Cream Cheese on HIGH 30-45 seconds or until very soft. Add cilantro and 1 1/2 cups of the Monterey Jack cheese; mix well. Chop onion; set aside. Spread 2/3 cup of the enchilada sauce over bottom of pan. Pour remaining enchilada sauce into bowl; set aside.

2. To assemble lasagna, dip four tortillas into enchilada sauce in mixing bowl and arrange over sauce in baker overlapping as necessary. Scoop half of the cream cheese mixture over tortillas. Top with 1 cup of the chicken and one-third of the onion. Repeat layers one time. Dip remaining four tortillas into sauce and arrange over second layer. Top with remaining chicken and onion. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over lasagna and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese.

3. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 12-15 minutes or until center is hot. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro. Cut into squares.

Yield: 8 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 22 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 26 g, Sodium 710 mg, Fiber 2 g

Cook's Tip: This recipe can be assembled up to one night in advance. Prepare through Step 2; cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, let baker stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 21-23 minutes or until hot. Proceed as recipe directs.

Linda Peterson