Description
Mexican chicken casserole combines layers of spicy, cheesy goodness in a comforting dish. Hearty ingredients and bold flavors make this meal a perfect weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Protein-Based Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
Seasonings and Tortillas:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 small corn tortillas
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare oven to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the casserole.
- Combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa in a mixing bowl, incorporating cumin and chili powder for robust flavor profile.
- Generously coat baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create foundational layer by arranging tortillas across bottom of dish, covering entire surface.
- Distribute half of seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over tortilla base, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Position second layer of tortillas directly atop first chicken layer.
- Spread remaining chicken and vegetable mixture across tortilla layer, maintaining balanced distribution.
- Liberally cover entire casserole surface with shredded cheese, creating a melted golden topping.
- Transfer dish to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into bubbling, golden crust.
- Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Swap corn tortillas for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and enhanced flavor depth.
- Reduce cheese amount or use low-fat cheese for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
- Add fresh cilantro or chopped green onions after baking for a vibrant, fresh garnish that boosts both taste and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg