Mexican Chicken Casserole

If you need a tasty dish, be sure to try this classic Mexican Chicken Casserole. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. With its layers of flavor and cheesy goodness, this casserole stands out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This casserole comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Flavorful Layers: Each layer packs a punch of flavor, from the seasoned chicken to the melty cheese and zesty tomatoes.
• Feeding a Crowd: With generous servings, this dish can easily feed a large group, perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
• Comfort Food Classic: The combination of textures and tastes offers pure comfort in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Mexican Chicken Casserole, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking, ensuring easy serving and clean-up.
• Casserole dish: The right size allows for even baking and helps achieve that perfect bubbly texture.
• Spatula: Great for spreading ingredients evenly and mixing components without damaging them.

Ingredients

For your Mexican Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

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

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 to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Crush tortilla chips lightly in a bag or with a rolling pin. Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of these crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Beans

Layer the diced chicken evenly over the crushed chips. Next, add the drained black beans on top of the chicken layer for added texture and protein.

Step 4: Mix the Soup

In a mixing bowl, stir in 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. Finally, pour the undrained Rotel tomatoes over this layer.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle both types of shredded cheese evenly over the tomato layer. Then top it off with the remaining crushed tortilla chips for an extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake It

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be hot and bubbly with fully melted cheese on top.

Step 7: Garnish

Once baked, remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes for color and freshness.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately while hot with slices of fresh jalapeño on the side if you like some extra heat! Enjoy your delicious Mexican Chicken Casserole!

How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your family’s tastes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
• Diced Avocado – Provides creaminess and balances the spice.
• Sour Cream – Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the casserole’s heat.

As a Main Dish

• With Rice – Serve alongside Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice for a filling meal.
• With Salad – A light side salad with avocado and tomatoes complements the richness of the casserole.

Accompanying Dips

• Guacamole – Creamy and flavorful, perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.
• Salsa Verde – Adds a zesty kick that pairs well with each bite of casserole.

With Tortillas

• Corn or Flour Tortillas – Serve warm tortillas on the side for wrapping bites of casserole.

How to Perfect Mexican Chicken Casserole

To make your Mexican Chicken Casserole truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time and adds great flavor without any extra cooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your preference.
• Layer Cheeses Generously – A mix of jack and cheddar cheese will create a rich, gooey topping that everyone loves.
• Don’t Skip the Chips – Use enough crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps it set up, making it easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some excellent options you might consider.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices and tomato sauce adds heartiness to your meal.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy and savory beans complement the flavors of the casserole perfectly.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter provides a nice crunch and sweetness.
4. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
5. Guacamole and Chips – A classic pairing that adds an extra layer of flavor and fun.
6. Black Bean Salad – A zesty salad filled with black beans, corn, and lime dressing enhances your dinner experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Chicken Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overloading on liquid: Adding water or milk to the cream of chicken soup can make the casserole too soupy. Stick to the recipe and use the soup straight from the can.
• Skipping seasoning: Not adding spices like cumin can result in bland flavors. Make sure to incorporate all seasonings for a richer taste.
• Under-layering chips: Using too few crushed chips at the bottom can lead to a soggy base. Ensure you use enough chips for a crispy foundation.
• Overbaking: Leaving the casserole in the oven too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on it and remove it once bubbly and golden brown.
• Ignoring toppings: Failing to garnish with cilantro and tomatoes can miss out on fresh flavors. Always add these before serving for an extra pop.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and reheat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Chicken Casserole.

Can I use different proteins in Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Yes! You can substitute rotisserie chicken with shredded turkey or even cooked ground beef for variation.

How spicy is this Mexican Chicken Casserole?

The spice level depends on whether you include jalapeños. For mild flavor, you can omit them entirely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add extra baking time if it’s cold.

What side dishes pair well with Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Serve it with a simple salad, rice, or guacamole for a complete meal that complements its flavors.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Chicken Casserole is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels based on your family’s preferences. Give this comforting dish a try!

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Mexican Chicken Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Experience the warm, comforting flavors of a Mexican Chicken Casserole that will quickly become a family favorite! This easy-to-make dish layers seasoned chicken, zesty tomatoes, and gooey cheese with crunchy tortilla chips for an irresistible combination. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this casserole is both satisfying and customizable—try adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it piping hot with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream for added flair. Whip up this cheesy delight tonight and watch as it disappears from the table!

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 15 oz black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie preferred)
• 21 oz cream of chicken soup
• 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 cups shredded cheese (jack and cheddar mix)
• Optional: diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 casserole dish.
2. Crush tortilla chips and layer half on the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread diced chicken evenly over chips followed by black beans.
4. In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup with cumin; spread over the chicken and beans.
5. Top with Rotel tomatoes, remaining cheese, and crushed chips.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 280g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 60mg