Zesty Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Mexican chicken casserole represents a vibrant fusion of comfort and zest that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable feasts.

Bold spices and layered textures dance across each delectable bite, promising a culinary adventure that surprises and satisfies.

Creamy elements mingle with crisp chip fragments, creating a harmonious blend of rich flavors and contrasting sensations.

Robust ingredients collaborate to craft a meal that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum taste impact.

Regional influences shine through in every carefully constructed layer, celebrating the spirit of hearty, soul-warming cuisine.

Why Mexican Chicken Casserole Is So Flavorful

• Savor Speedy Southwestern Comfort: Whip up this Mexican chicken casserole in just 35 minutes, delivering a quick and satisfying meal that brings zesty flavors to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Explosion in Every Bite: Enjoy a delightful mix of crunchy tortilla chips, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and soft beans that create a mouthwatering contrast of textures in each delicious forkful.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily personalize this casserole by adding green chiles, adjusting cheese types, or sprinkling extra jalapeños to match your spice preference and make the dish uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need for Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy base that adds texture and Mexican-style foundation to the casserole.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein source with a creamy texture, best when rinsed and drained.

• Chicken, Diced: Tender protein that forms the main body of the casserole, preferably cooked and seasoned.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binding agent that adds richness and helps hold the casserole together.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes that provide moisture and a slight spicy kick.
• Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds authentic Mexican flavor profile.

• Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, gooey top layer, best when freshly shredded.
• Green Chiles: Optional ingredient that adds mild heat and extra flavor complexity.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, final garnish with classic Mexican herb notes.
• Tomatoes, Fresh: Bright, fresh topping that adds color and light acidity.
• Jalapeño Slices: Optional spicy garnish for those who enjoy extra heat.

Simple Instructions for a Tasty Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

Gently crush tortilla chips and spread evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a crispy foundation.

Step 3: Build the Protein Layer

Spread out diced chicken and black beans over the crushed chip base, creating a hearty protein foundation.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Ground cumin

Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken and beans. Pour undrained Rotel tomatoes across the layer for added moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle both Jack and Cheddar cheeses generously over the tomato layer. Optional: Mix in diced green chiles for an extra kick.

Top with remaining crushed tortilla chips for additional crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and fully melted cheese as signs of completion.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Pro Tips for a Bolder Chicken Casserole

• Customize Cheese Combo: Blend sharp cheddar with mild monterey jack for a complex, creamy melting experience. Creating your own cheese mixture elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Maximize Rotisserie Chicken: Select warm, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for maximum tenderness and minimal preparation time. Shred meat quickly with two forks for even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Control Baking Temperature: Watch casserole closely after 25 minutes to prevent overcooking. Golden edges and bubbling cheese indicate perfect doneness without drying out ingredients.
• Freshen Final Presentation: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños immediately after baking. Vibrant toppings add brightness and texture to the warm, hearty dish.
• Enhance Chip Layer Strategy: Crush tortilla chips coarsely for better texture and crunch. Distribute chips strategically between layers to maintain structural integrity and maximize crispy elements throughout the casserole.

Storing Mexican Chicken Casserole with Ease

• Freeze: Lock in freshness by wrapping the casserole tightly in aluminum foil, then slide it into a sturdy freezer bag. Freezing preserves every delicious bite for up to 2 months, giving you a quick and tasty meal ready whenever hunger strikes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor restoration.
• Refrigerate: Seal the casserole in an airtight container after cooling completely, keeping those zesty Mexican flavors intact. Devour within 3-4 days for maximum taste and food safety. Pro tip: Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal quality.
• Portion and Protect: Divide leftovers into individual servings before storing. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or transfer to small containers for grab-and-go lunches.

Flavorful Ways to Switch Up This Casserole

• Tex-Mex Ranch Remix: Replace cream of chicken soup with ranch dressing, add corn kernels, and sprinkle taco seasoning for a zestier southwestern flavor profile.
• Spicy Green Chile Crunch: Incorporate diced green chiles throughout the layers, use pepper jack cheese instead of regular Jack cheese, and add crushed jalapeño-flavored chips for extra heat and crunch.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Fiesta: Substitute chicken with additional black beans, roasted bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup to maintain moisture and flavor complexity.
• Salsa Verde Style: Swap Rotel tomatoes with salsa verde, add shredded rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor, and include a layer of sour cream between the soup and cheese layers for creamy richness.

A Bold Finish to a Comforting Casserole Meal

Mexican Chicken Casserole emerges as comfort cuisine with southwestern charm.

Layers of crispy tortilla chips, succulent chicken, and melted cheeses create culinary magic.

Robust flavors dance across palates, celebrating traditional Mexican-inspired ingredients.

Southwest spices whisper stories of hearty family meals and shared moments.

Complex textures provide satisfying depth beyond standard dinner fare.

Readers craving authentic comfort should dive into this recipe, share their successes, spark conversations in comments, and spread deliciousness across social networks.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole delivers spicy comfort straight from Southern kitchens. Layers of tender chicken, zesty cheese, and crisp tortillas create a mouthwatering meal perfect for family gatherings and casual dinners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips (measure after crushing)

Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded Jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded medium Cheddar cheese
• 21 ounces (595 grams) cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 ounces cans, do not add water or milk)

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 10 ounces (283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) can diced green chiles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly coat a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Create a crunchy foundation by gently crushing tortilla chips and distributing approximately 1 cup evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Construct the protein layer by arranging diced chicken and black beans uniformly over the crushed chip base.
4. Craft the flavor foundation by whisking cream of chicken soup with ground cumin in a separate mixing bowl until well combined. Carefully spread this aromatic mixture across the chicken and bean layer.
5. Enhance the moisture and zest by pouring undrained Rotel tomatoes over the soup layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Build the cheese crown by generously sprinkling Jack and Cheddar cheeses across the tomato layer, creating a rich and creamy topping.
7. Add texture and crunch by scattering the remaining crushed tortilla chips over the cheese layer. For an optional flavor boost, incorporate diced green chiles across the surface.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the dish becomes hot, bubbly, and the cheese melts completely.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Sprinkle fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños over the hot casserole for a burst of color and zesty flavor.
• Monitor the baking process carefully around the 25-minute mark to prevent overcooking, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly and the casserole becomes bubbly and golden.
• Combine Jack and Cheddar cheeses for a rich, complex flavor profile, grating them fresh to guarantee smooth, even melting throughout the dish.
• Create layers of deliciousness by first spreading crushed tortilla chips, then adding seasoned chicken and black beans, followed by a creamy soup mixture, and finishing with an additional cheese and chip topping.
• Select rotisserie chicken as your protein base for maximum flavor and convenience, as it’s pre-cooked and brings incredible depth to the entire casserole.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg