Fresh Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Recipe That Wows

Pioneer Woman’s chicken tortilla casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a flavor-packed celebration.

Sizzling spices and melted cheese create an irresistible culinary landscape that beckons hungry diners.

Tender chicken nestles between crisp tortilla layers, promising a symphony of southwestern comfort.

Robust ingredients meld together in a harmonious dance of textures and tastes.

The casserole whispers stories of family gatherings and spontaneous dinner parties.

Aromatic seasonings promise a mouthwatering experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Get ready to fall in love with this soul-warming dish that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary memories.

Preparation Guide for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Create Zesty Enchilada Casserole

• Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté chopped red peppers, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for a spicy kick. Dust with flour and pour in chicken stock and tomato sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, deep flavor. Blend until silky smooth and set aside.

• Prepare Chicken and Veggie Base

Sizzle chicken in a skillet with bold spices until golden and cooked through. Toss in diced tomatoes, onions, and beans, creating a vibrant and hearty mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let the ingredients mingle and develop intense flavors.

• Build Layers of Deliciousness

Grab a baking dish and start creating magic. Layer tortillas, rice, tomato mixture, corn, and chicken. Drench each layer with the zesty sauce and sprinkle cheese generously. The secret is in the layers that create a symphony of textures and tastes.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement. The aromas will fill your kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water.

• Serve and Celebrate

Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream. Dive into this mouthwatering feast that combines spicy, creamy, and savory elements in every single bite. Enjoy the culinary adventure you’ve just created!

Smart Ideas for Customizing Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Explore versatile ways to make this enchilada casserole uniquely yours.

Replace chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or black beans for a protein-packed twist.

Adjust cayenne and chili powder to dial heat up or down. Mild lovers can reduce spices, while heat seekers can add extra cayenne or include diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.

Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the casserole.

Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese mix to elevate the flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.

Presentation Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy casserole and add refreshing textures.
• Top with Cool Extras: Sprinkle diced avocado, fresh chopped cilantro, and a dollop of tangy sour cream to enhance flavor complexity and provide creamy contrast.
• Serve with Zesty Sides: Complement the dish with Mexican-style black beans, warm corn tortillas, or a small portion of Mexican rice to complete the meal's authentic southwestern experience.
• Beverage Companions: Enjoy with an ice-cold Mexican beer, refreshing margarita, or sparkling water with a lime wedge to cut through the casserole's bold flavors.

Keeping It Fresh: Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole

• Meal Preservation Strategies
• Refrigerate casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Smart Portioning Technique
• Divide leftovers into individual serving containers for quick, grab-and-go lunch options during busy weekdays.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Optimal Reheating Method
• Warm in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture and restore original delicious texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 8

Main Components of Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole

• Red Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant, firm peppers without blemishes for maximum flavor.
• Onions: Select crisp, heavy onions with no soft spots for a robust taste.
• Garlic: Pick plump, firm cloves without green sprouts for intense aroma.

• Chili Powder: Look for fresh, rich-colored powder with deep, complex fragrance.
• Cumin: Select whole seeds or ground spice with strong, earthy scent.
• Cayenne Pepper: Choose bright red, potent powder for balanced heat.
• Bouillon Cube: Opt for low-sodium varieties to control overall salt content.
• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for enhanced depth.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless breasts or thighs with minimal fat.
• Black Beans: Pick canned beans without added preservatives or rinse thoroughly.
• Tortillas: Choose soft, fresh corn or flour tortillas with no cracks.
• Corn: Use sweet, tender kernels from fresh or frozen sources.
• Cheese: Select melting varieties like monterey jack or cheddar for creamy texture.

Helpful Gear for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole

• Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating zesty enchilada sauce.
• Large skillet: Essential for sizzling tomatoes and cooking chicken.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for layering casserole components.
• Blender: Helps smooth out the enchilada sauce.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices.
• Cutting board: Great for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Needed for finely chopping peppers, onions, and garlic.
• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chicken tortilla casserole delivers comfort with layers of shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and melted cheese. Rich flavors combine simple ingredients into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) grated cheddar jack cheese
• 15 flour tortillas (8-inch)
• 1 ½ cups rice
• 3 cups (1.5 lbs/680 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 15-oz can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15-oz can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 16-oz jar salsa verde
• 1 11-oz can corn (drained)
• 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
• 1 bouillon cube (beef, chicken, or tomato)
• 6 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• ¼ cup finely chopped red bell peppers
• 6 tsp chili powder
• 4 tsp paprika
• 3 tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chicken stock
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Sauté red bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil until softened. Blend spices including chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Sauce Development: Integrate flour, then gradually pour chicken stock and tomato sauce. Simmer until sauce thickens and reduces, creating a rich, concentrated base. Puree until silky smooth.
3. Rice and Vegetable Medley: Cook rice according to package instructions. In a separate skillet, sauté diced tomatoes, garlic, and onions with complementary spices, developing a complex flavor profile.
4. Protein Preparation: Season chicken with spices, then sear until golden brown and fully cooked. Deglaze skillet with water, incorporating beans for additional texture and nutrition.
5. Casserole Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Layer tortillas, rice, tomato mixture, corn, chicken, beans, and cheese in a baking dish. Generously drizzle enchilada sauce between layers to ensure moisture and depth of flavor.
6. Baking Process: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until top turns golden and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Serving: Allow casserole to rest briefly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, creating a vibrant and inviting presentation.

Notes

• Sauce Consistency Check: Ensure enchilada sauce reduces and thickens properly by simmering and stirring occasionally for precise texture.
• Chicken Doneness Tip: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F for food safety and optimal moisture.
• Layer Precision Matters: Spread each ingredient evenly across casserole to guarantee balanced flavor in every single bite.
• Resting Period Essential: Let casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg