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Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe

Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Mexican-inspired fiesta chicken casserole delivers layers of zesty flavor with tender chicken, melted cheese, and spicy seasonings. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 chicken breasts (cooked, shredded or cubed)
  • 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)

Starches and Vegetables:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup salsa or Rotel tomatoes

Seasonings and Cheese:

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Sauté shredded chicken in a skillet with olive oil, incorporating taco seasoning and salsa until flavors meld together.
  3. Add black beans and corn to the chicken mixture, stirring until everything is thoroughly heated and well combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, fold cooked rice into the chicken mixture, blending cream cheese for extra richness and creating a cohesive filling.
  5. Season the casserole mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor throughout.
  6. Pour the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the top of the casserole.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become completely melted and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve alongside optional accompaniments like sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

  • Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice to make this dish lower-carb and keto-friendly.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a protein-packed, lighter alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prepare chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for a quick weeknight meal assembly.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and spice variation without overwhelming the dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg