Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Crafting a delightful Mexican chicken casserole brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of zesty flavors meld together in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Creamy textures and spicy undertones create a memorable meal that satisfies deeply.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complex techniques.

Cheese, tender chicken, and bold seasonings dance across each hearty bite.

Weeknight meals never looked more inviting or delicious.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future culinary adventures.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Brings Zesty Flavor

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Southern Baked Spaghetti Casserole delivers pure, hearty satisfaction with its layers of cheesy, saucy goodness that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a complete meal with minimal cleanup, combining protein, pasta, and cheese in a single baking dish that's perfect for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple modifications like adding vegetables, switching meat types, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Simple cooking techniques and straightforward ingredients mean even novice cooks can produce a restaurant-quality casserole that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Key Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful base that provides the main protein for this hearty Mexican-inspired casserole.

• Black Beans, Corn: Adds texture, nutritional value, and authentic Mexican flavor to the dish.
• Salsa: Brings zesty and tangy elements that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Sour Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture that balances the spicy elements.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, sharp flavor that completes the casserole's comfort food appeal.

• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mexican spices and depth of flavor.
• Tortilla Strips: Serves as a crunchy base and helps bind the layers together.

• Green Onions, Jalapenos, Diced Tomatoes, Cilantro: Adds freshness, heat, and additional layers of flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). This sets the stage for a delicious baked masterpiece.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Taco seasoning

Stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly blended and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor.

Step 3: Lay The Foundation

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and create the first layer by spreading half of the tortilla strips across the bottom, creating a crispy base.

Step 4: Build The First Chicken Layer

Generously spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla strips, ensuring an even distribution of all those mouth-watering ingredients.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Shower the first layer with a blanket of cheddar cheese, making sure it covers the entire surface.

Step 6: Repeat The Delicious Layers

Duplicate the previous steps by adding the remaining tortilla strips, then topping with the rest of the chicken mixture and another generous layer of cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese that’s golden and irresistible.

Step 8: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro

Step 9: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Kitchen Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and extra flavor boost.
• Swap corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
• Choose low-fat sour cream and cheese to make the casserole lighter and healthier.
• Add a splash of lime juice to brighten the overall taste and give a fresh zesty kick.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Fresh Twists for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Green Chile Chicken Casserole: Replace salsa with roasted green chiles, add diced poblano peppers, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Chicken Bake: Swap black beans for chickpeas, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, add oregano and feta cheese, substitute tortilla strips with pita chips.
• Southwest Turkey Casserole: Replace chicken with ground turkey, mix in quinoa, use corn tortillas, sprinkle with cotija cheese and add a dash of chipotle powder.
• Ranch Chicken Fusion: Mix ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced bell peppers, use ranch dressing instead of sour cream, top with crispy bacon bits.

Serving Mexican Chicken Casserole

Fiesta Family Dinner Delight

• Serve this zesty casserole with a fresh side salad topped with lime vinaigrette for a balanced meal that brings color and crunch to the table.
• Create a build-your-own taco bar alongside the casserole, letting guests add their favorite toppings like extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• Pair with Mexican street corn (elote) as a complementary side dish, offering a creamy and tangy contrast to the rich chicken casserole.
• Elevate the meal with a refreshing pitcher of homemade cucumber-mint margarita or traditional horchata for a complete southwestern dining experience.

Storing Mexican Chicken Casserole for Later

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the chicken and follow the recipe as directed.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your salsa and taco seasoning choice. Use mild salsa and seasoning for a less spicy version, or add jalapeños for extra heat.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute if I don't have tortilla strips?

Corn tortillas cut into strips or crushed tortilla chips work great as alternatives to traditional tortilla strips.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Mexican chicken casserole combines zesty spices and hearty ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dinner. Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Optional: jalapenos, diced
• Optional: tomatoes, diced
• Optional: cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, and taco seasoning in a mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Create the first layer by evenly spreading tortilla strips across the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Distribute half of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the tortilla base, covering it completely.
5. Generously sprinkle cheddar cheese over the initial chicken layer.
6. Construct a second layer by adding the remaining tortilla strips on top of the first cheese coating.
7. Spread the remaining chicken mixture uniformly across the tortilla layer.
8. Top the casserole with the final layer of cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
11. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-7 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and homemade salsa to control salt content.
• Make it extra spicy by adding diced green chiles or using a hot salsa variety for heat lovers.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie chicken or quickly shredding boiled chicken to save cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg