Description
Mexican fiesta chicken casserole brings spicy layers of comfort to dinner tables across North America. Cheesy, zesty ingredients combine for a hearty meal families will eagerly devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning, sour cream, and rice until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading the mixture uniformly to create an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the entire surface of the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Once the cheese is perfectly melted and the casserole is heated through, remove from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro leaves just before serving to add a vibrant burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the casserole hot, directly from the dish, for the most enjoyable dining experience.
Notes
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version that’s equally delicious and diet-friendly.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for those who love extra heat and want to kick the spice level up a notch.
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly shredded and evenly distributed to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite of the casserole.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and intensify for an even more robust taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg