Quick & Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

Whipping up a delectable mexican chicken casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed adventure.

Comfort meets excitement when layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese come together.

Crispy tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch that elevates every single bite.

Weeknight meals never looked this tempting or felt this effortless to prepare.

You who love bold, hearty dishes will absolutely adore this simple yet stunning recipe.

Spice lovers and family dinner champions, you are in for a serious treat that promises to become a go-to meal in your kitchen.

This casserole will have everyone asking for seconds before the first round is even finished.

How To Reheat Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Cover with foil to prevent drying.
• Transfer single serving to microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Sides For Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Craft a tangy margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the Mexican chicken casserole's bold spices and cut through its richness.
• Refresh with Mexican Beer: Choose a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the casserole's hearty flavors and provide a light, cooling contrast.
• Serve Cilantro-Lime Rice: Create a simple side of lime-infused rice topped with fresh cilantro to enhance the dish's Mexican-inspired profile and add textural variety.
• Complement with Chunky Salsa: Prepare a fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños to add bright, fresh notes that elevate the casserole's warm, comforting elements.

Style Ideas For Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or jackfruit for a plant-based protein option. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular tortilla strips for corn tortilla strips or crushed gluten-free corn chips. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortilla strips with crushed pork rinds or sliced bell peppers. Use cauliflower rice instead of corn kernels to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream substitute.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the casserole.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning you use. Choose mild seasoning if you prefer less spice, or opt for hot seasoning for more kick.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What if I don't have Rotel tomatoes?

You can substitute with regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chiles for similar flavor and moisture.

What Makes Mexican Chicken Casserole So Popular

• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: A super easy one-dish meal that comes together quickly with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated cooking steps.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with kid-friendly ingredients like chicken, cheese, and beans, this casserole offers something everyone loves, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for all ages.
• Customize Your Flavor: Versatile recipe allows simple swaps and additions like different types of beans, spice levels, or protein options, giving you creative freedom to make it your own signature dish.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people, making it an economical choice for families looking to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that brings the casserole to life.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy topping that adds awesome texture.
• Cheese: Melty goodness that ties everything together.

• Taco Seasoning: Zesty blend that gives Mexican-inspired kick.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base for rich and smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that adds cool, creamy element.

• Black Beans, Corn Kernels, Rotel Tomatoes: Colorful mix that provides extra nutrition and Southwest flair.

• Cooking Spray: Light coating to prevent sticking in baking dish.

How To Make Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Zesty taco seasoning
• Creamy cream of chicken soup
• Tangy sour cream
• Hearty black beans
• Spicy Rotel tomatoes
• Sweet corn kernels
• Melty shredded cheese

Mix everything until it’s well combined and looks like a party in a bowl.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Pour the vibrant chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.

Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips across the top for an extra crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top looks golden and tempting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Scoop out generous portions and get ready for a flavor-packed meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy!

Pro Tips For Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by adding more or less to match your spice preference, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for a versatile and diet-friendly alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to enhance the casserole's richness.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, allowing flavors to meld and saving time during busy evenings.
• For extra crunch, toast tortilla strips in the oven before adding them to the casserole or sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before baking.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets flavor in this Mexican chicken casserole, blending zesty spices and hearty ingredients into a robust meal. Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas create a satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
• 1 (10-oz) can rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 3/4 cup tortilla strips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and coat a 9-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken with zesty taco seasoning, creating a well-seasoned base for the casserole.
3. Incorporate cream of chicken soup and creamy sour cream into the chicken mixture, stirring until smoothly combined.
4. Gently fold in black beans, diced Rotel tomatoes, and sweet corn kernels, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Gradually mix in shredded cheese, allowing it to integrate with the other components and create a rich, cohesive filling.
6. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
7. Artfully arrange crisp tortilla strips across the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy golden layer.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a thoroughly heated center.
9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and ease of portioning.

Notes

• For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken instead of canned chicken.
• Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning depending on family preferences.
• Consider gluten-free option by using corn tortilla strips and checking seasoning ingredients for gluten content.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt as a sour cream substitute.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg