Tangy Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Fiesta

Mexican chicken casserole bursts with a symphony of flavors that electrify your taste buds and redefine dinnertime excitement.

Spicy notes and creamy textures intertwine, creating a culinary masterpiece that elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Crisp tortilla chips crumble against tender chicken, while melted cheese binds each mouthwatering layer with irresistible charm.

Aromatic spices whisper tales of traditional Mexican kitchens, transforming an ordinary dish into a festive experience.

The recipe welcomes both novice and seasoned cooks, promising a foolproof path to deliciousness.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of comfort and bold flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Become the household dinner hero with this show-stopping casserole that turns an average evening into a celebration.

How to Make the Casserole Step-by-Step

• Prepare the Cooking Space

Get your kitchen ready for a flavor explosion. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations. Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

• Create the Crunchy Foundation

Crush those tortilla chips into a satisfying crumbly layer. Spread them across the bottom of the dish, creating a crispy base that’ll add texture to every single bite.

• Build Your Protein-Packed Layer

Layer in tender diced chicken and hearty black beans. This protein powerhouse will form the heart of your delicious casserole, giving it substance and incredible flavor.

• Whip Up the Creamy Magic

Mix cream of chicken soup with a dash of ground cumin to create a silky sauce. Pour this liquid gold over your protein layer, then scatter Rotel tomatoes for an extra burst of zesty goodness.

• Bring on the Cheese Extravaganza

Shower the dish with Jack and Cheddar cheeses, letting them melt into every nook and cranny. Sprinkle some diced green chiles for a spicy kick. Top with a final layer of crushed tortilla chips for maximum crunch.

• Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. Watch for those tempting bubbling edges and fully melted cheese that scream “I’m ready to devour!”

• Dress and Serve with Flair

Finish your masterpiece with fresh toppings like bright cilantro, juicy tomatoes, and spicy jalapeños. Serve immediately and get ready for a flavor party that’ll make taste buds dance!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Add to Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy, thick-cut chips that won't get soggy easily.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Select a brand with neutral flavor to prevent interfering with dish's taste.

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are fresh and evenly sized.
• Black Beans: Pick low-sodium canned beans for better flavor control and health.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Select a reduced-sodium version for lighter texture.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Look for original blend for balanced heat and tomato flavor.
• Ground Cumin: Choose freshly ground for more robust, aromatic profile.
• Green Chiles: Pick fire-roasted varieties for deeper, smokier undertone.

• Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Select freshly grated blocks for superior melting quality.

• Cilantro: Select bright green, crisp leaves with no wilting.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm varieties for best texture.
• Jalapeños: Pick firm peppers with vibrant green color for maximum heat.

Tools for Assembling Mexican Chicken Bake

• Oven: Standard kitchen oven for baking the casserole.
• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Rectangular pan for assembling and cooking the casserole.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent food from sticking to the baking dish.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining cream of chicken soup and ground cumin.
• Measuring Cups: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting Board: For chopping cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
• Sharp Knife: To dice and slice fresh ingredients.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For spreading layers and mixing ingredients.

Spice Levels and Variations

• Create Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different protein alternatives like ground beef, shredded turkey, or plant-based crumbles to customize your casserole and keep meals exciting.
• Spice Up Your Dish: Customize heat levels by adding chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce directly into the sauce mixture for those who love an extra kick of spiciness.
• Make It Healthier: Swap out regular tortilla chips for whole grain or baked versions, and use low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium soup to create a more nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, making weeknight dinners super convenient and stress-free.

How to Serve the Casserole Right

• Garnish with Fresh Zest: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños over the casserole for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Pair with Cool Companions: Serve alongside sour cream, guacamole, or a crisp green salad to balance the dish's rich warmth.
• Create a Fiesta Feast: Complement the casserole with Mexican-inspired sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
• Make it a Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family dinners, this dish feeds a hungry group and leaves everyone satisfied.

Meal Prep and Storage Ideas

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The casserole maintains its delicious texture when properly sealed.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen casserole stays tasty for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Oven reheating works best at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, restoring the crispy chip topping.
• Smart Meal Prep: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating before baking. Keep the tortilla chip topping separate until just before baking to maintain maximum crunchiness.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican Chicken Casserole combines hearty ingredients from classic Southwest cuisine. Cheesy layers meld with tender chicken and zesty spices for a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips (measure after crushing)
• 2 cups shredded Jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded medium Cheddar cheese
• 21 oz (595 g) cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 oz cans, do not add water or milk)
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 10 oz (283 g) Rotel tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tomato, diced
• 4 oz (113 g) diced green chiles (optional)
• 1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped
• 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F, thoroughly spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Base Layer: Crush tortilla chips and distribute evenly across the dish’s bottom, creating a crisp foundation for the casserole.
3. Protein Assembly: Layer diced chicken and black beans uniformly over the chip base, establishing a robust protein core.
4. Flavor Infusion: Whisk cream of chicken soup with ground cumin until seamlessly blended, then spread across the chicken and bean layer to introduce depth and complexity.
5. Moisture Boost: Cascade undrained Rotel tomatoes over the soup layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage and introducing vibrant southwestern notes.
6. Cheese Transformation: Blanket the tomato layer with Jack and Cheddar cheeses, creating a molten, golden crown that promises rich, creamy indulgence.
7. Textural Finale: Sprinkle remaining tortilla chips over the cheese layer and optionally scatter green chiles for an additional flavor dimension.
8. Baking Brilliance: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking 25-30 minutes until the dish becomes effervescent and the cheese melts into a tempting golden landscape.
9. Presentation Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers, serving immediately to capture peak warmth and aroma.

Notes

• Chip Foundation Trick: Crushing tortilla chips creates a delightful crispy base that adds unexpected texture and prevents soggy bottom layers.
• Moisture Management: Using undrained Rotel tomatoes ensures extra juiciness and prevents dry casserole syndrome while intensifying flavor complexity.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Mixing Jack and Cheddar cheeses delivers a more nuanced, creamy topping that browns beautifully and enhances overall taste profile.
• Customization Potential: Adding optional green chiles or adjusting jalapeño quantities allows personalization for heat-tolerance levels while maintaining authentic Mexican-inspired essence.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg