Mexican Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, you can’t go wrong with this Mexican Chicken Casserole. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This casserole is packed with flavor from tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese, all layered over crunchy tortilla chips. Its ease of preparation and hearty ingredients make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this casserole fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of spices, chicken, and creamy soup creates a mouthwatering flavor profile everyone will enjoy.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves 10 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.
• Comfort Food Classic: This casserole is pure comfort food that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Mexican Chicken Casserole, having the right tools makes all the difference. A few essential kitchen tools are needed to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 13×9 casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring the casserole comes out easily after baking.
• Casserole dish: Provides an even cooking surface that holds all layers securely while baking.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading ingredients evenly and mixing components without damaging them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty Mexican Chicken Casserole:

For the Base

• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips, divided)
• 15 oz. black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)

For the Sauce

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 21 oz. cream of chicken soup (2 (10.5 oz) cans, DO NOT add any water or milk)
• 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)

For Toppings

• 2 cups shredded jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1 bunch cilantro (rinsed and chopped)
• Jalapeños (optional)

this recipe

How to Make Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 13×9 casserole dish generously with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer

Crush tortilla chips lightly in their bag. Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Beans

Layer diced chicken evenly over the crushed chips. Next, add black beans on top of the chicken layer.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 teaspoon of cumin into the cream of chicken soup. Remember not to add any water or milk! Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken and beans using a spatula. Top with canned tomatoes.

Step 5: Cheese It Up!

Sprinkle both types of cheese evenly over the tomato layer. Then take the remaining 2 cups of crushed chips and spread them on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 7: Garnish Before Serving

Once baked, garnish your casserole with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for added freshness.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve immediately with a slice or two of fresh jalapeño if desired for an extra kick!

How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole

Serving Mexican Chicken Casserole is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit any gathering. This dish not only brings warmth and comfort but also allows for a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavors.

Family Style

• Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for family dinners.

With Fresh Toppings

• Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices. These add brightness and flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Paired with Rice

• Serve alongside fluffy white rice or Mexican rice. The rice helps balance the richness of the casserole while making it a more filling meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, spoon the casserole into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for fun, low-carb servings that are perfect for those watching their carbs.

Accompanied by Chips

• Offer tortilla chips on the side for an added crunch. Guests can enjoy scooping up the casserole with chips for a delightful texture contrast.

With Sour Cream or Guacamole

• Provide small bowls of sour cream or guacamole for dipping. These creamy additions bring extra flavor and richness to every bite of the casserole.

How to Perfect Mexican Chicken Casserole

Perfecting your Mexican Chicken Casserole can elevate this dish even further. Here are some helpful tips to make it just right:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for better flavor.
• Layer Wisely: Make sure to layer ingredients evenly for consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your taste preference.
• Allow Rest Time: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for a unique twist.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or corn into the layers for added nutrition and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Chicken Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Chicken Casserole can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, lime, and cheese that complements the casserole’s flavors.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side that works perfectly with Mexican dishes.
3. Guacamole and Chips: The creamy guacamole paired with crispy chips provides a delicious appetizer before the main course.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds a zesty touch that pairs beautifully with rich casseroles.
5. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices enhances your meal’s flavors while adding substance.
6. Grilled Veggies: Charred vegetables bring color and healthiness to your plate, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
7. Chili Lime Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in chili-lime dressing offers freshness and acidity that cuts through the heaviness of the casserole.
8. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant rice garnished with cilantro and lime makes an excellent base alongside this cheesy dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Mexican Chicken Casserole, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong type of chicken: Always use cooked chicken, like rotisserie or leftovers. Raw chicken will not cook properly in this casserole.
• Adding water to the soup: Do not dilute the cream of chicken soup with water or milk. This will lead to a watery casserole instead of a creamy one.
• Overloading on spices: While seasonings enhance flavor, too much cumin can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe for best results.
• Skipping the layering process: Proper layering is key. Ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed for balanced flavor throughout.
• Not greasing the dish: Failing to grease your casserole dish may result in sticking and uneven cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes. This helps maintain moisture.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Pair it with a fresh salad or rice for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

You can add chopped jalapeños or use spicy Rotel tomatoes for an extra kick.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food that combines rich flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any dinner rotation. Its ease of preparation allows for endless customization options, so feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print

Mexican Chicken Casserole

---

• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Mexican Chicken Casserole, a perfect blend of tender chicken, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese layered over crunchy tortilla chips. This comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also serves as a delightful centerpiece for family dinners or potlucks. With just minutes of prep time, you can create a satisfying meal that feeds a crowd while allowing for versatile ingredient swaps based on your preferences. Garnished with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes, this casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips)
• 15 oz. black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 21 oz. cream of chicken soup (2 cans, do not dilute)
• 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 cups shredded jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
• Diced tomato and chopped cilantro for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Spread 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips evenly in the dish.
3. Layer with chopped chicken followed by black beans.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cumin with cream of chicken soup and spread over the layers. Top with undrained Rotel tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle both cheeses on top before adding remaining crushed tortilla chips.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers or corn for extra flavor. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking for easier serving.