Description
Mexican-inspired fiesta chicken casserole brings zesty layers of comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Hearty ingredients combine with bold spices, creating a satisfying meal that delivers rich southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup rice (cooked)
- 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup green onions (sliced)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, bell peppers, sour cream, and taco seasoning in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Fold in the cooked rice and majority of the shredded cheese until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and potential burning.
- Pour the seasoned mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even spread.
- Scatter the remaining cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a uniform layer.
- Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and fully melted cheese.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
- Optionally crown with chopped green onions and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm to maximize flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
- Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie or batch-cooking shredded chicken to save time during busy weeknights.
- Make this dish vegetarian-friendly by replacing chicken with black beans, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 356 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg