Description
Mexican-inspired fiesta chicken casserole brings zesty layers of flavor to dinner tables across homes. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crisp tortilla chips create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Grains:
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups cooked rice
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a casserole dish by lightly coating with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage for easy serving.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate shredded chicken, drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced tomatoes, fluffy rice, softened cream cheese, zesty taco seasoning, and half the cheese blend.
- Gently transfer the vibrant mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to distribute ingredients uniformly across the surface.
- Generously cascade the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, appetizing layer.
- Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and allow to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a melted, slightly crispy cheese topping and heated-through center.
- Once removed from the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and develop flavors.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of herbaceous brightness before serving.
- Slice and plate the casserole while still warm, ensuring each serving captures the medley of ingredients.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the creamy texture intact.
- Customize heat levels by using mild or spicy taco seasoning based on personal preference or family tolerance.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and using certified gluten-free ingredients.
- Prepare extra batches and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals that reheat perfectly without losing flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg