Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great); 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned); 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

February 23, 2025

0

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Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

This recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the comforting elements of a casserole with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. With layers of seasoned chicken, beans, corn, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you start preparing the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can quickly cook it using any method you prefer. Here are a few options:

Poach the chicken: Boil chicken breasts in a pot of water or chicken broth for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Shred with two forks.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, rotisserie chicken is a great option. Simply shred the chicken and you’re good to go.
Grill or pan-fry: Grill chicken breasts or thighs and then shred them. This method adds a smoky flavor to your casserole.

Once your chicken is shredded, set it aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a medium skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Now, add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture to combine the spices with the vegetables. This is the base of the casserole’s flavorful seasoning.

Step 5: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, frozen corn, and enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. The enchilada sauce helps bring everything together with its rich flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Casserole Layering

You’re ready to assemble the casserole! Start by spreading a small amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.

Now, add a layer of tortilla chips or tortilla strips on top of the chicken mixture. You can either use crushed tortilla chips (about 3 cups) or slice corn tortillas into strips and layer them across the mixture. The tortilla chips add a nice crunch and texture to the casserole, similar to a Mexican lasagna.

After adding the tortilla layer, pour about half of the chicken mixture on top. Spread it out evenly to cover the chips. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers once more, starting with the remaining chicken mixture, followed by the tortilla chips, and then the remaining cheese.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 8: Let it Rest

Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Serve the casserole warm with a dollop of sour cream on top. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. For those who enjoy a little spice, add sliced jalapeños on top.

Tips for the Best Mexican Chicken Casserole:

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re looking to save time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver. It’s already seasoned and shredded, so you can skip the cooking step.
Customize the Heat: You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder or using spicy enchilada sauce. For an extra kick, top with fresh jalapeños or serve with hot salsa.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before popping it into the oven.
Add Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to this casserole for added nutrition and flavor. Try adding zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes.
Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortilla chips or gluten-free tortillas. Most enchilada sauces are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the label.
Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick meal later. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

Variations on Mexican Chicken Casserole:

1. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole

If you want a meatless option, you can substitute the chicken with extra beans (black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans), roasted vegetables, or even plant-based proteins like soy crumbles or tempeh. You can also add extra corn, bell peppers, and zucchini for more flavor.

2. Beef or Pork Mexican Casserole

Instead of chicken, you can use ground beef or ground pork in the recipe. Brown the meat in a skillet before adding the vegetables and spices. For a more authentic flavor, add some ground cumin and smoked paprika for extra richness.

3. Creamy Mexican Chicken Casserole

If you prefer a creamy version, add a cup of cream cheese or cream of chicken soup to the chicken mixture. This will make the casserole extra creamy and indulgent. You can also stir in a bit of sour cream or Mexican crema before baking.

4. Low-Carb Mexican Chicken Casserole

For a low-carb version, substitute the tortilla chips with cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini for added texture. Skip the tortilla chips entirely for a keto-friendly casserole. Instead of beans, you can use more vegetables or low-carb alternatives like jicama.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Casserole

Flavor-packed: The combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and enchilada sauce creates a deep, savory flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
One-dish wonder: Everything cooks in a single casserole dish, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have available or to suit dietary preferences.
Comforting and filling: The layers of chicken, beans, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips create a hearty, filling dish that will keep everyone satisfied.
Great for leftovers: This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or taking to work for lunch.

Conclusion:

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a delicious, simple, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s full of flavors that everyone loves, and you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the variations, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s both comforting and full of bold, vibrant flavors. Enjoy!

Yield: 6