Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor? This Mexican Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution! Filled with juicy chicken, spicy seasonings, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping, this one-pan meal will satisfy your cravings while making dinner time a breeze. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting and flavorful dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, sautéed onions, garlic, and taco seasoning.
2. Stir in the salsa, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. If you’re using rice, layer the cooked rice evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the chicken mixture on top of the rice layer, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

1. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top of the casserole for an added crunch.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with extra sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.

Tips for the Best Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken Shortcut: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option. You can also cook chicken breasts in the Instant Pot or slow cooker and shred them.
• Tortilla Chip Topping: For added flavor, use seasoned tortilla chips like nacho cheese or lime-flavored chips.
• Add Heat: If you love spice, throw in some chopped jalapeños or add hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Taco Night Addition: Serve this Mexican Chicken Casserole with a side of guacamole, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips for a taco night-inspired dinner.
• Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad or a refreshing Mexican street corn salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

Variations

1. Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Swap out the salsa for enchilada sauce and add more cheese for a creamier, enchilada-inspired casserole.

2. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole

Leave out the chicken and add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a meat-free version.

3. Low-Carb Version

Skip the rice and use a base of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbs while keeping all the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 2 days in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it before baking, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add diced avocado, green onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, include extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños in the casserole mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa.

5. Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes, you can swap out the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork for a different take on this dish.

Conclusion

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy. It’s packed with classic Mexican flavors, cheesy goodness, and a crispy tortilla chip topping that adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to share at a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Yield: 6

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor? This Mexican Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution! Filled with juicy chicken, spicy seasonings, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping, this one-pan meal will satisfy your cravings while making dinner time a breeze. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting and flavorful dish.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined.
   
3. Layer the Casserole:
   Spread half of the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Then layer the rest of the mixture on top and finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the casserole.
   
4. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions.

Notes

Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a spicier salsa for extra heat.

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience to save time.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with more beans or cooked veggies, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.