Sizzling Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavor

My latest Mexican chicken casserole experiment blends comfort and zest in every delightful bite.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and vibrant spices create a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Crisp tortillas nestle between rich, creamy ingredients that promise pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers with minimal effort.

Southwestern inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, you’ll want to savor each incredible forkful.

Dig in and let this casserole become your new dinnertime hero.

Why Mexican Chicken Casserole Wins Fans

• Craft a Tasty Meal in Minutes: This chicken Philly cheesesteak recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Swap provolone for other cheeses, add different veggies, or use gluten-free rolls to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: One-skillet cooking means less cleanup, faster preparation, and a satisfying meal that keeps everyone happy without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Great for families, game day gatherings, or casual dinner parties where everyone craves something delicious and filling without complicated techniques.

Gather Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: The main protein source that provides hearty texture and flavor to the casserole.

• Black Beans, Corn: Adds protein, fiber, and a southwestern touch to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings moisture and fresh tomato flavor to the casserole.

• Salsa: Provides a zesty and spicy base for the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy richness to the mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Authentic Mexican spices that deliver warm and deep flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Tortilla Strips: Creates layers and adds a classic Mexican texture to the casserole.
• Cheese: Melts to create a golden, bubbly topping that brings all ingredients together.

Mexican Chicken Casserole – Cooking Method

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Bomb

• Shredded chicken
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Zesty salsa
• Creamy sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly mingled.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Grab a greased casserole dish and spread out half of the tortilla strips across the bottom, creating a crunchy foundation.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Mixture

Generously spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla strips, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese Magic

Shower a generous layer of cheese over the chicken mixture, promising gooey deliciousness.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortilla strips, chicken mixture, and cheese.

This is where the magic happens.

Step 7: Cover and Bake

Shield the casserole with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Crisp and Golden

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then dive into this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast.

Smart Touches for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Swap corn tortillas for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for quicker assembly.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium salsa and beans, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
• Freeze individual portions for easy meal prep, storing up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Mix Up Mexican Chicken Casserole Flavors

• Spicy Southwest Blast: Replace salsa with hot green chile sauce, add jalapeños, and mix in pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap chicken with ground lamb, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, add oregano and feta cheese, replace tortilla strips with pita chips.
• Vegetarian Harvest: Substitute chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans, add spinach, use vegetable broth, include quinoa for protein boost.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Replace chicken with shredded crab or white fish, incorporate cilantro, use lime-infused salsa, sprinkle cotija cheese on top.

Present Mexican Chicken Casserole With Style

• Fiesta Night Feast: Serve this zesty Mexican chicken casserole with fresh accompaniments that elevate the entire meal experience.
• Zesty Taco Bar Companion: Create a mini taco station alongside the casserole with chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges. Guests can customize their plates with vibrant toppings that complement the rich, cheesy layers.
• Fresh Garden Side Splash: Pair the casserole with a crisp Mexican-style salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and a tangy lime-cilantro dressing. The light, refreshing salad balances the hearty casserole perfectly.

Saving Mexican Chicken Casserole for Later

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For crispy top, reheat in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

You can control the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa. Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños if you want more kick.

• Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! Swap chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork for variety.

• What if I don't have tortilla strips?

Use tortillas cut into strips, crushed tortilla chips, or even corn chips as a crunchy alternative.

• Do I need to cook the chicken first?

Yes, use pre-cooked, shredded chicken from rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or boiled chicken breasts before mixing with other ingredients.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich mexican chicken casserole delivers a hearty blend of zesty flavors and comforting textures. Cheese-topped layers and spicy seasonings invite you to savor this classic southwestern comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cheese (Mexican blend), shredded
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a greased casserole dish for layering.
2. Combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, blending all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the tortilla strips across the bottom of the casserole dish.
4. Evenly distribute half of the seasoned chicken mixture over the tortilla base, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Generously scatter a uniform layer of cheese across the chicken mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining tortilla strips as the next structural foundation.
7. Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the second layer of tortilla strips.
8. Top the casserole with a final generous sprinkle of cheese, creating a complete coverage.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
11. Allow the casserole to rest and cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and enhance flavor integration.

Notes

• Swap out corn tortillas for gluten-free alternatives to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture.
• Enhance vegetable content by adding bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavors.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process, making this a perfect weeknight meal for busy families.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg