The Pioneer Woman’s Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering Mexican chicken casserole that promises to become a weeknight dinner staple.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and bold spices create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The pioneer woman mexican chicken casserole recipe brings together classic ingredients with a home-style twist that feels both familiar and exciting.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with robust southwestern charm, this dish delivers warmth in every single bite.

Hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd and simple enough for even novice cooks to master, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, making dinnertime a delicious celebration of flavor and comfort.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single, scrumptious bite of this irresistible casserole.

Steps For A Mexican Casserole Success

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole to bake.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Green chilies
• Taco seasoning
• Salsa

Stir everything together until well blended, creating a mouthwatering filling.

Step 3: Build First Layer Of Deliciousness

Grab a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread out the first layer of tortilla strips across the bottom, creating a crispy foundation.

Step 4: Add First Chicken Layer

Generously spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortilla strips, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese Magic

Scatter half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the chicken layer, creating a promising cheesy landscape.

Step 6: Repeat Layering

Repeat the previous steps by adding another layer of tortilla strips, followed by the remaining chicken mixture and topped with the rest of the cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor before serving this crowd-pleasing Mexican chicken casserole.

Tips For A Better Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked chicken breasts for maximum flavor and easy shredding.
• Layer tortilla strips carefully and don't oversaturate with salsa to maintain a crispy casserole base.
• Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier.
• Adjust taco seasoning and green chilies to match your preferred heat intensity for family-friendly results.
• Add diced bell peppers or black beans for extra vegetables and protein without changing core recipe structure.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Swaps And Spins

• Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole: Replace regular tortilla strips with corn tortilla strips and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Bake: Swap cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of sour cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Chicken Casserole: Substitute tortilla strips with cauliflower rice or zucchini strips, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace chicken with black beans, lentils, or plant-based protein crumbles, keeping the same spicy and cheesy characteristics of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas For Chicken Casserole Fans

• Fresh Topping Paradise: Sprinkle cool, crisp diced green onions, fresh chopped cilantro, and tangy sour cream on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp garden salad to complete the meal with complementary textures and tastes.
• Spice It Up Station: Add optional hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for guests who want extra crunch and heat to personalize their plate.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container for quick lunches, transforming cold portions into delicious next-day meals by adding fresh salsa or avocado slices.

How To Store Mexican Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as directed.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. Use mild versions for less spice or add hot salsa for more kick.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Greek yogurt or cream cheese mixed with chicken broth can work as alternative base ingredients if you want to avoid canned soup.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Highlights

• Whip Up Family Comfort: A hearty casserole that brings everyone together with its cheesy, spicy layers and crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this dish a stress-free meal solution for busy families and home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for quick ingredient swaps or additions, letting you personalize the casserole to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, cheese, and tortillas in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime more convenient and enjoyable.

Ingredients For Pioneer Woman Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy ingredients that add richness and moisture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a gooey and delicious topping.

• Green Chilies, Salsa, Taco Seasoning: Ingredients that bring zesty Mexican-inspired flavors and a slight kick to the casserole.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, herbal garnish to the finished dish.

• Tortilla Strips: Corn or flour tortillas cut into strips that create layers and provide structure to the casserole.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chicken casserole showcases bold flavors from simple ingredients. Creamy layers of cheese, tender chicken, and zesty spices create a comforting meal that brings families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken breast
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 8–10 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing the stage for a comforting Mexican-inspired culinary creation.
2. Combine the shredded chicken with a harmonious blend of cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, zesty green chilies, aromatic taco seasoning, and vibrant salsa in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish, then create the first foundation layer using crisp tortilla strips.
4. Generously spread half of the spiced chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla base.
5. Lavishly distribute a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortilla strips, creating a second hearty stratum of chicken mixture.
7. Crown the casserole with the final cascade of cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape.
9. Once removed from the oven, optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for black beans or tofu to create a vegetarian version that maintains the same rich, zesty flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free tortilla strips and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium soup and creating homemade taco seasoning to control salt content.
• Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach into the chicken mixture for extra vegetables and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg