Description
Savory Mexican-inspired Fiesta Chicken Casserole brings bold southwestern flavors to dinner tables with incredible ease. Layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese create a comforting meal families will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Grains:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican rice)
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (300 g/10 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Seasonings:
- 1 packet (30 g) taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- Crushed tortilla chips or Doritos
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sliced jalapenos
- Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 190C, creating an ideal cooking environment for a hearty casserole.
- Thoroughly coat a spacious rectangular baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Systematically arrange cooked, shredded chicken across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating an even foundational layer.
- Sprinkle a vibrant mixture of Mexican-inspired seasonings over the chicken, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Gently layer crushed tortilla chips across the seasoned chicken, forming a crisp and textured base.
- Carefully pour a creamy blend of condensed soup and sour cream over the chip layer, allowing the liquid to seep through and create a rich, harmonious mixture.
- Generously distribute shredded cheese across the entire surface, ensuring every corner receives a delectable cheesy coating.
- Scatter diced green chilies and chopped green onions for an added burst of zesty flavor and fresh color.
- Transfer the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling canopy and the edges turn crisp and appetizing.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or additional green onions before serving to enhance visual appeal and provide a final flavor accent.
Notes
- Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or roasted chicken to reduce cooking time and add a smoky flavor profile.
- Choose low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for a healthier version of this hearty casserole without compromising taste.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free alternative that adds a traditional Mexican texture and taste.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and a spicy kick that elevates the dish’s overall flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg