Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta In One Dish

Spicing up weeknight dinners with a mouthwatering Mexican chicken casserole brings comfort and excitement to your table.

Home cooks appreciate simple yet delicious meals that satisfy everyone’s hunger.

Layers of tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese create a hearty dish packed with flavor.

Crispy tortilla chips add a perfect crunch to each delectable bite.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly to craft this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Cheese lovers and protein enthusiasts will find themselves reaching for seconds of this irresistible casserole.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become a new family favorite!

What Makes Mexican Chicken Casserole Great

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning casserole without requiring advanced culinary skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize with Comfort: Packed with flexible ingredients like salsa and cheese varieties, this dish allows personal tweaks to match family preferences and pantry contents.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors that appeal to multiple taste buds, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves something delicious.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Combines ingredients in one bowl, layers quickly, and bakes with minimal hands-on time, providing a stress-free cooking experience that yields maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Shredded Chicken: The primary protein source that provides hearty texture and flavor to the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy base and add melty, tangy goodness to the dish.

• Salsa, Black Beans, Diced Green Chilies, Corn Tortillas, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: These components bring bold Mexican-inspired flavors, texture, and spice to the casserole, creating a well-balanced and zesty meal.
• Fresh Cilantro: An optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh herb note to the finished dish.

How to Cook Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and lightly grease its surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Salsa
• Black beans
• Diced green chilies
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and looks absolutely delicious.

Step 3: Build First Layer Foundation

Spread half of the corn tortillas across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a cozy base for the casserole.

Step 4: Add First Chicken Layer

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Step 5: Create Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese, building a mouthwatering tower of flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Helpful Suggestions for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Use freshly shredded chicken for maximum flavor and tender texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Drain black beans and salsa completely to prevent excess liquid making the casserole soggy.
• Swap corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer, more flexible base if preferred.
• For a lower-fat version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and choose reduced-fat cheese varieties.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Creative Twists on Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Fiesta Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Bake: Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or cauliflower rice, and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat and a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Mexican Chicken Casserole: Substitute tortillas with thin zucchini slices or cauliflower rice, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content.

Pairing Ideas for Mexican Chicken Casserole

Fiesta Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this casserole during game nights or potlucks where friends gather to enjoy a hearty, flavor-packed meal that everyone will love.

Tex-Mex Family Dinner: Create a family-style spread by pairing the casserole with Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform next-day leftovers into delicious lunch wraps by rolling the casserole mixture into fresh tortillas with extra salsa and a dollop of sour cream.

Quick Weeknight Comfort: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy families seeking a stress-free, delicious meal solution.

Storing Mexican Chicken Casserole Correctly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking for maximum freshness.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the salsa you choose. Use mild salsa for a less spicy version or hot salsa if you prefer more kick.

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas are traditional in Mexican cuisine and work perfectly in this casserole, adding authentic flavor and texture.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• What if I don't have fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken or canned chicken work great as quick alternatives. Just drain and shred the canned chicken before mixing with other ingredients.

Best Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chicken casserole delivers comfort with layers of spicy chicken, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips. Zesty flavors combine in a simple, satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (shredded)

Cheeses:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 6 corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken with all remaining ingredients, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and sauces.
3. Create the first foundational layer by arranging corn tortillas across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the surface completely.
4. Carefully spread half of the seasoned chicken mixture over the tortilla base, creating an even, consistent layer.
5. Generously sprinkle a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining corn tortillas, creating a second protective tortilla barrier.
7. Top the second tortilla layer with the remaining chicken mixture, distributing it uniformly.
8. Complete the casserole with a final abundant layer of shredded cheese, covering the entire surface.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the layers.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary restrictions and added nutrition.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Prepare chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for deeper flavor development.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and enhanced moisture in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg