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