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