Ina Garten’s Heartwarming Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets zest in this sensational Ina Garten Mexican chicken casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Layers of rich, spicy flavors dance across your plate with every delectable bite.

Bold Mexican-inspired ingredients merge seamlessly to create a dish that’s both hearty and exciting.

Tender chicken nestles between colorful vegetables and melted cheese, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the dinner table, eager to dive into this mouthwatering meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again, craving its irresistible combination of comfort and zest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 654 kcal

Servings: 6

How to Serve Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Serve with Zesty Toppings: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños on top for an extra burst of flavor and color that brings this casserole to life.
• Pair with Cool Sides: Complement the warm, cheesy dish with a refreshing side of Mexican-style coleslaw or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.
• Create a Complete Meal: Accompany the casserole with warm corn tortillas, sour cream, and fresh salsa on the side, allowing everyone to customize their plate and enjoy additional textures and tastes.
• Beverage Harmony: Serve with ice-cold Mexican beer, a tangy margarita, or a bright citrus-infused agua fresca to enhance the meal's southwestern spirit and cut through the dish's richness.

Leftover Tips for Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals. These portions reheat wonderfully within 15-20 minutes in the oven.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The casserole maintains its delicious flavor and texture when refrigerated properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It stays fresh for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to restore its crispy, melted texture.

What Goes In Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Tortilla Shells: Soft, flexible carriers that create delightful layers and provide a traditional Mexican foundation for the casserole.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing sticking and ensuring easy serving of the casserole.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, protein-packed meat that brings hearty substance to the dish.
• Black Beans: Creamy, nutritious legumes that add rich texture and plant-based protein.

• Butter: Rich, smooth ingredient that helps sauté onions and creates a velvety base.
• Chopped Onions: Aromatic vegetable that provides a sweet, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy, tangy base that adds moisture and bright flavor to the casserole.
• Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Zesty ingredient that introduces a subtle kick and southwestern flair.
• American Cheese: Melty, creamy cheese that creates a smooth, binding sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, bold cheese that adds a golden, tangy topping.

• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Crispy, salty garnish that provides a delightful textural contrast.

Equipment for Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and baking this delicious casserole.
• Large saucepan: Helps melt butter and cook down the cheese and tomato sauce smoothly.
• Mixing bowl: Great for combining chicken and black beans before assembling the casserole.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stirring and spreading ingredients evenly.
• Cheese grater: Optional for grating fresh cheddar cheese if desired.

Cooking Directions for Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of non-stick magic.

• Creamy Tomato Base

In a saucepan, melt butter and dance some chopped onions around until they turn soft and translucent. Pour in diced tomatoes and green chili tomatoes, then fold in American cheese. Let everything mingle and melt together over gentle heat.

• Layered Comfort

Start building your flavor tower by spreading a thin cheese blanket on the baking dish bottom. Layer tortilla shells like a delicious foundation. Scatter shredded chicken and black beans across the first level. Drizzle half the cheesy sauce, making sure it covers every inch. Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Crown the casserole with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finale.

• Baking Moment

Slide the casserole into the warm oven. Let it bubble and heat for 15-20 minutes until it’s steaming and the cheese looks irresistibly melted. Pull out your masterpiece, slice, and serve up some comfort.

Smart Tips for Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Swap chicken for leftover turkey or shredded beef for a protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and budget-friendly.
• Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to boost heat and create a zesty flavor profile that wakes up taste buds.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve for stress-free meal planning.
• Replace American cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture. Incorporate extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• For extra crunch, toast the tortilla chips in the oven for 3-4 minutes before sprinkling on top, or experiment with crushed corn chips or seasoned breadcrumbs for a unique textural element.

Comforting Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican chicken casserole combines hearty ingredients with bold Southwestern flavors. Home cooks appreciate this comforting dish that delivers robust taste with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (454 g) processed cheese product, American, cubed
• 1½ cups (360 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 16 oz (454 g) chicken breast, cooked, shredded
• 30 oz (850 g) black beans, canned, drained, rinsed
• 15 oz (425 g) tomatoes, diced, canned
• 10 oz (283 g) tomatoes with green chilies, diced, canned
• 8 Mission® Super Size Yellow Corn Tortillas
• 4 oz (113 g) Mission® Brown Bag White Tortilla Strips, crushed
• ½ cup (120 ml) onion, yellow, diced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

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Instructions

1. Thermal Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lavishly coat a 9×13 inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
2. Sauce Composition: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then introduce diced tomatoes, green chilies, and American cheese. Reduce heat, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
3. Protein Assembly: Blend shredded chicken and black beans. Spread a delicate layer of tomato-cheese sauce across the baking dish’s base, then meticulously arrange tortilla shells to create a complete foundation.
4. Layering Strategy: Distribute half the chicken-bean mixture over the tortillas. Cascade cheese sauce across the surface, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
5. Final Construction: Replicate the previous layer with remaining ingredients. Crown the casserole with crushed tortilla chips, adding a crisp textural dimension.
6. Thermal Transformation: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese erupts with bubbling enthusiasm. Allow a brief cooling interlude before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Cheese Melting: Use low, steady heat when creating cheese sauce to prevent separation and achieve silky smoothness.
• Layer Strategically: Ensure even distribution of ingredients in each layer for consistent flavor and texture throughout the casserole.
• Tortilla Placement Matters: Press tortillas firmly against the baking dish bottom to create a stable base that prevents ingredients from sliding.
• Crunch Control: Add tortilla chip topping just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 654
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1080 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg