Try Our Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tonight

Crafting a delightful Mexican chicken casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients create a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Cheese, tender chicken, and zesty spices combine in perfect harmony.

Southwest flavors burst through each carefully assembled bite.

Hungry diners will appreciate the simple yet robust combination of ingredients.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal preparation.

Dive in and savor every delicious forkful of this irresistible casserole.

FAQs

• What type of tortillas work best in this casserole?

Corn tortillas are recommended for authentic Mexican flavor and texture, holding up well during baking without becoming soggy.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option that adds great flavor and saves preparation time.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. You can control heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot versions of these ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, lean chicken breast, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

The Magic Behind Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty one-dish wonder that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like protein or add extra veggies to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, this crowd-pleasing casserole delivers Mexican-inspired flavors that kids and adults will love equally.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Uses just one skillet and a baking dish, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the meal and less time washing dishes.

Must-Have Ingredients For Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this Mexican-inspired casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft, traditional Mexican tortillas that create layered texture in the casserole.
• Black Beans: Hearty legumes that add protein and a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Corn: Sweet kernel corn that provides a fresh and slightly crunchy element.

• Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic: A classic aromatic base that builds depth of flavor for the chicken mixture.
• Taco Seasoning: A zesty spice blend that infuses the chicken with traditional Mexican taste.
• Salsa: A tangy and spicy sauce that adds moisture and vibrant flavor to the chicken.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that brings richness and a golden color to the casserole.

• Fresh Cilantro, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Jalapenos: Optional toppings that allow customization and add extra layers of flavor and freshness.

Step-By-Step Guide To Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle and Spice

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook until they’re soft and fragrant.

• Shredded chicken
• Taco seasoning
• Salsa

Stir everything until well mixed and simmering.

Step 3: Create the First Layer

Grab a greased baking dish and line the bottom with corn tortillas, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 4: Build the First Flavor Wave

• Chicken mixture
• Black beans
• Corn
• Shredded cheese

Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Repeat the Delicious Layers

Add another round of tortillas and repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Jalapeños

Enjoy your Mexican chicken casserole!

Tips To Make Mexican Chicken Casserole Shine

• Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition. Gluten-free alternatives work perfectly for dietary needs.
• Adjust taco seasoning and salsa heat level to match your family's preference. Mild options keep it kid-friendly while hot versions satisfy spice lovers.
• Choose quality shredded cheese like Mexican blend or sharp cheddar for richer taste. Low-fat cheese works great for healthier versions.
• Cook chicken and chop ingredients in advance to streamline assembly. Store prepared components in refrigerator for quick weeknight meal.
• Substitute chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or shredded beef for variety. Vegetarian option works brilliantly with plant-based protein.

Flavorful Variations To Try With Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or use cauliflower rice as a base to create a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, increase taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt.

Perfect Pairings For Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Pair this zesty casserole with cool, creamy accompaniments that enhance its Mexican-inspired profile.
• Dip Delight: Serve alongside fresh homemade salsa, pico de gallo, or chunky guacamole for an extra burst of freshness and texture.
• Color Pop Plate: Scatter chopped green onions, sliced radishes, or diced avocado around the casserole to create a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
• Comfort Companion: Add a simple side of Mexican-style rice or crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole flavors.

How To Keep Mexican Chicken Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let the casserole cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in a freezer bag and store for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing with fresh garnishes like cilantro.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty mexican chicken casserole celebrates comfort food with layers of rich flavors. Cheesy, spicy ingredients blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Base and Vegetables:

• 6 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa to the skillet, mixing thoroughly until well combined and heated through.
4. Create the first layer of the casserole by arranging corn tortillas across the bottom of the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla layer.
6. Sprinkle black beans, corn kernels, and a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
7. Repeat the layering process with another set of corn tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, beans, corn, and cheese.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
9. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños for added zest.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breast for a healthier protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Swap corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting salsa type or adding extra jalapeños for those who love spicy flavors.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and streamline the cooking process, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg