Zesty Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Recipe for Taco Night

Culinary magic happens when a hearty Mexican chicken recipe blends comfort with zesty flavors.

Aromas of spices dance through the kitchen, promising something extraordinary.

Rustic ingredients wait to tell their delicious story.

Ranch-style cooking meets authentic southwestern inspiration in this delightful meal.

Home cooks will adore how simple yet remarkable this dish becomes.

Regional influences shine through each carefully seasoned bite.

You can create something truly memorable with these straightforward steps that celebrate bold, vibrant tastes.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken, Flavor on a Plate

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular meal with minimal prep work, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with zesty flavors and cheesy goodness, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied and happy.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like jalapeños or black beans to make this recipe uniquely yours, turning a standard meal into a personalized culinary experience.
• Quick Family Feast: Ready in under an hour, this one-pan wonder provides a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for busy households craving Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken that provides the protein base for this hearty Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layers and add traditional Mexican texture to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty cheese that covers the casserole with a golden, creamy topping.

• Salsa, Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy components that blend together to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that add authentic Mexican flavor and depth to the chicken mixture.

• Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that provide brightness, slight heat, and a fresh finishing touch to the casserole.

How to Cook Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 350F (175C) to get ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Cream of chicken soup

Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Build First Layer of Tortillas

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and line the bottom with torn tortilla pieces, creating a solid base.

Step 4: Add First Chicken Layer

Spread half of the prepared chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

Distribute half of the shredded cheese over the chicken mixture, creating a delicious melty surface.

Step 6: Repeat Layering

• Torn tortillas
• Chicken mixture
• Shredded cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges are bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top and serve the casserole piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Tips for Authentic Pioneer Woman Flavors

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the dish.
• Choose fresh salsa for a brighter, more vibrant taste that elevates the entire casserole.
• Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture and milder corn flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of jalapeños for extra heat and kick if you enjoy spicier Mexican-inspired meals.
• Layer ingredients evenly to ensure each bite contains a perfect mix of chicken, cheese, and tortillas.

Creative Variations on Mexican Chicken

• Vegetarian Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas with cauliflower rice or zucchini rounds, use lettuce wraps as alternative base layer.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat and bold flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas, select gluten-free cream of chicken soup, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Pioneer Woman Chicken with Flair

• Fiesta Night Delight: Serve this Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken with warm rice and black beans for a complete meal that brings the flavor of a Mexican restaurant right to your table.
• Taco Party Twist: Transform the casserole into a taco-style spread by offering extra toppings like diced avocado, fresh salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges for guests to customize their plates.
• Fresh and Zesty Companion: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy cilantro-lime dressing to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day or family gatherings, cut into smaller portions and serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-friendly appetizer that everyone will love.

Keeping Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover Mexican Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Separate any fresh garnishes like cilantro before refrigerating to keep them crisp.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have the exact ones?

You can replace salsa with diced tomatoes with green chilies, swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, and use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas if needed.

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the type of salsa and green chilies you use. For a milder version, choose mild salsa and avoid adding extra chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

Delicious Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chicken recipe from the pioneer woman combines zesty spices and tender meat for a comforting family meal. Savory flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Spices, Vegetables, and Extras:

• 12 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine shredded chicken with salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and cream of chicken soup in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
3. Create the first foundation layer by carefully arranging torn tortillas across the bottom of the prepared dish.
4. Distribute half of the richly seasoned chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla base, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Sprinkle the first layer of shredded cheese generously across the chicken mixture.
6. Construct a mirror layer by repeating the tortilla, chicken mixture, and cheese sequence.
7. Position the casserole in a preheated 350F (175C) oven.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
9. Remove from oven and enhance the dish’s visual appeal by scattering freshly chopped cilantro across the top.
10. Serve immediately while the casserole maintains its piping hot temperature and melted cheese consistency.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa to match your preferred spice tolerance.
• Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas to create a softer, more pliable texture in the casserole.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and enhanced flavor depth without extra cooking time.
• Transform into a gluten-free dish by using corn tortillas and confirming gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg