Description
Spicy Mexican-inspired Fiesta Chicken Casserole brings zesty layers of cheese, tender chicken, and bold southwestern flavors to your dinner table. Hearty comfort meets festive cuisine, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Grains:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1.5 cups uncooked rice (long grain or basmati)
Canned and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded mexican blend cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- 0.5 cup chopped bell peppers
- 0.5 cup sliced black olives
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
- 0.5 cup shredded lettuce
- 0.5 cup salsa
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend across the entire surface of the casserole.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- Once baked, remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
- Optional: Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and crispy crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version that keeps the zesty flavor profile intact.
- Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild green chilies for sensitive palates without losing the dish’s vibrant character.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator to create a quick weeknight meal that saves cooking time and reduces stress.
- Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco to customize flavor and add exciting texture variations to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg