Pioneer Woman’s Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets zest in this Pioneer Woman Mexican chicken casserole that promises to become your next dinner sensation.

Layers of cheesy goodness and vibrant spices create a harmonious blend.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this exciting or satisfying.

Hearty ingredients dance together, bringing bold southwestern flavors to your table.

Each forkful tells a story of warmth and culinary creativity.

Crispy edges and tender chicken make this dish irresistible.

Jump into this delicious adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What Sets Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Apart

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform boring weeknight meals into a flavor-packed fiesta that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in one dish, delivering maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or feeding a hungry group with different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tortillas to create a hearty meal that stretches your food budget without compromising on flavor.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Ingredients List

• Shredded Chicken: The protein base of the casserole that provides hearty and filling flavor.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich ingredient that adds texture and Mexican-inspired taste.
• Corn: A sweet and crunchy vegetable that brings additional flavor and color to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: A juicy ingredient that adds moisture and tangy brightness to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a creamy and rich topping with a classic Mexican-style flavor profile.

• Tortilla Chips, Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that provide crunch, creaminess, binding, and a complex blend of Mexican-inspired seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Make Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Shredded chicken
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients dance in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips across the bottom, creating a crunchy foundation.

Step 4: Spread the Goodness

Pour the zesty chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla chip base, making sure every inch is covered with delicious potential.

Step 5: Cheese Party

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Let the cheese create a golden, melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Crispy Topping

Scatter the remaining crushed tortilla chips across the top for an extra crunch factor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown masterpiece with melted cheese that’s singing with flavor.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dive into this Mexican-inspired comfort food that’ll make taste buds dance.

Pro Suggestions for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Swap out corn tortilla chips with crushed whole wheat or gluten-free tortilla chips for dietary alternatives.
• Reserve some fresh cilantro or green onions to sprinkle on top after baking for added freshness and color.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and low-fat cheese options.
• For a spicier version, mix in diced jalapeños or add hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking.
• Prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenience and time-saving.

New Ways to Enjoy Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Fiesta Fusion: Replace chili powder with diced jalapeños and add chopped green chilies for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Vegetarian Verde: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and quinoa for a protein-packed meatless alternative.
• Southwest Ranch Style: Mix in ranch seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and top with crispy bacon bits for a tangy southwestern kick.
• Green Chile Chicken Remix: Incorporate green chile enchilada sauce, swap regular tomatoes for roasted green chiles, and sprinkle cilantro on top for a zesty transformation.

Serving Mexican Chicken Casserole Pioneer Woman Style

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this zesty casserole with cool, creamy toppings that complement its rich flavors. Drizzle fresh salsa verde or homemade pico de gallo over each serving for a bright, tangy kick. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions to add a fresh herbal note.
• Tex-Mex Plate Companion: Pair the casserole with Mexican-style rice studded with bell peppers and lime zest. Add a simple side salad with avocado slices and a light lime-cumin vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty warmth.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes. For whole casserole, place in 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.
• Portion leftover casserole into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Simply shred the chicken and follow the recipe as instructed.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is mild with chili powder and cumin. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

• What can I substitute if I don't have both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese?

You can use all cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend. The key is to have about 2 cups of shredded cheese total.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Mexican chicken casserole delights families with layers of spicy comfort. Rich flavors blend tender chicken, cheese, and zesty seasonings, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz/285 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz/285 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C) for optimal casserole baking.
2. Create a robust flavor foundation by combining shredded chicken with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Establish the first textural layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by evenly distributing half of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom.
4. Generously spread the seasoned chicken mixture uniformly over the initial chip layer, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Enhance the casserole’s richness by scattering a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses across the surface.
6. Complete the architectural structure by sprinkling the remaining crushed tortilla chips as a crispy crown.
7. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbly texture and fully melted cheese.
8. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and intensify flavors.

Notes

• Choose rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for maximum flavor and easy preparation.
• Swap corn tortilla chips with whole wheat or gluten-free chips to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Make the casserole spicier by adding diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra kick.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg