Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a creamy, cheesy base all baked together to create a comforting, one-dish meal. This casserole is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a casserole.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to make this delicious Southwest Chicken Casserole, from selecting ingredients to the final baking step. We’ll also explore variations of the recipe, tips for preparation, storage suggestions, and pairing ideas. So let’s get started and dive into this southwestern-inspired casserole recipe!

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful casserole with layers of chicken, rice, beans, corn, and a blend of spices. The ingredients used in this dish come together to bring a satisfying combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s the perfect casserole to serve for a family dinner, potluck, or even a weeknight meal when you’re craving something hearty and comforting.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding extra vegetables, using a different type of protein, or adjusting the level of spice. The casserole is also easy to make ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or preparing a dish for a crowd, Southwest Chicken Casserole is a fantastic option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

Before you start assembling the casserole, you’ll need to cook the chicken. You can use fresh chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken if you want to save time. Here’s how to prepare the chicken:

Option 1: Cook Fresh Chicken Breasts

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks or dicing it into small pieces.

Option 2: Use Rotisserie Chicken

If you’re short on time, using a rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Simply shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!

Once the chicken is ready, set it aside for use in the casserole.

2. Making the Casserole Base

Now that your chicken is ready, it’s time to prepare the flavorful casserole base. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
2. Combine the Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir it into the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes. The rice should absorb most of the broth and become tender.
3. Add the Canned Ingredients: Stir in the drained black beans, corn, and diced green chiles (if using) into the rice mixture. These ingredients add great flavor and texture to the casserole.
4. Make the Creamy Base: Once the rice is fully cooked, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper if necessary.

3. Assembling the Casserole

With the casserole base ready, it’s time to assemble the dish:

1. Layer the Chicken: In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the shredded or diced chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Add the Rice Mixture: Pour the rice and creamy mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly layer while baking.
4. Optional Toppings: If desired, you can sprinkle tortilla chip crumbs on top of the casserole for a little extra crunch.

4. Baking the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
3. For a golden, bubbly top, remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with it:

1. Side Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
2. Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice for an authentic Mexican-inspired meal.
3. Cornbread: A piece of warm cornbread is a perfect side dish to soak up any sauce from the casserole.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob make a great side dish to balance the heaviness of the casserole.
5. Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh guacamole and salsa provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy casserole.

Recipe Variations

This Southwest Chicken Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:

1. Spicy Version: Add extra heat with jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of green chiles or use a spicier cheese like pepper jack.
2. Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add plant-based protein like black beans or quinoa.
3. Tex-Mex Version: Mix in some diced tomatoes, red bell peppers, and olives for a more traditional Tex-Mex flair.
4. Cheesy Casserole: Add more layers of cheese, including a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for a super cheesy dish.
5. Add More Beans: Use a combination of black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for a heartier version.

Cooking Tips

• Cook the Rice Separately: If you don’t want to use canned rice, you can cook the rice in advance or use leftover rice for faster assembly.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker meal, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less taco seasoning or incorporating spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Conclusion

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a flavor-packed, comforting meal that will please everyone at the table. With its creamy base, zesty seasoning, and hearty ingredients like chicken, rice, and beans, this casserole is the ultimate dish for busy nights or family gatherings. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy this southwest-inspired dish with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to try the different variations for even more delicious options. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or full of veggies, Southwest Chicken Casserole is a fantastic recipe that offers something for everyone!

Yield: 6

Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a creamy, cheesy base all baked together to create a comforting, one-dish meal. This casserole is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the convenience of a casserole.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion.
   Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
   
3. Mix the Sauce:
   In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa. Stir until smooth and well combined.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Add the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
   Pour the sour cream and salsa mixture over the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly on top.
   
5. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
   
6. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
   
7. Optional Topping:
   If using crushed tortilla chips, sprinkle them on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give the casserole a crunchy topping.
   
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired.

Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
• Substitutions: Feel free to add or swap vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or jalapeños for a different flavor. You can also use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
• Topping Options: For added flavor, try topping the casserole with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa.