Tangy Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ignite your dinner with this Tex-Mex chicken casserole that erupts with southwestern swagger and tantalizing spice notes.

Imagine a culinary journey where tender chicken nestles between layers of melted cheese and vibrant seasonings.

Each forkful promises a flavor explosion that transports you to the heart of Texas.

Bold ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

This casserole isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of southwestern cuisine that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Adaptable heat levels mean everyone from spice novices to heat seekers can savor every delectable bite.

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that guarantees smiles and empty plates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient List for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

• Garlic: Choose fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts for the most robust flavor.
• Onion: Select a crisp, firm onion without soft spots or bruising for maximum sweetness.
• Chili Powder: Look for a vibrant, rich-colored blend without clumping for optimal heat.
• Cumin: Opt for whole seeds or ground cumin with a deep, earthy fragrance.
• Cayenne Pepper: Pick a bright red, finely ground powder for consistent spiciness.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides the most intense, aromatic punch.
• Turmeric: Choose a bright golden powder with a strong, warm scent.

• Tomato Sauce: Select a rich, smooth sauce without added sugars.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Pick a brand with chunky, bright green chile pieces.
• Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for maximum flavor depth.

• Pepper Jack Cheese: Choose a creamy, well-aged cheese with visible pepper specks.
• Cilantro: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting for fresh, zesty flavor.

• Guacamole, Sour Cream, Green Salad: Select fresh, ripe ingredients for complementary textures and tastes.

Kitchen Tools for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

• Large skillet: Deep, wide pan perfect for sautéing and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable dicing.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate tool for adding spices.
• Cheese grater: Tool for shredding pepper jack cheese.
• Lid: Needed to cover skillet while melting cheese.
• Measuring cup: Helpful for portioning tomato sauce.
• Serving dish: Plate for presenting the final meal.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Spice Up Your Chicken Fiesta

• Awaken Flavor Foundations

Warm olive oil in a large skillet and dance in aromatic spices. Toss in minced garlic, diced onions, and a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Let these ingredients mingle and sizzle, releasing their intense fragrance for about 3 minutes until onions turn soft and translucent.

• Build Saucy Harmony

Pour in zesty tomato sauce and tangy diced tomatoes with green chiles. Welcome shredded chicken into the skillet, stirring everything until ingredients create a harmonious symphony of flavors. The sauce should coat each morsel completely.

• Rice and Cheese Magic

Fold in microwaved white rice, allowing it to soak up the spicy sauce. Let the mixture simmer and marry together, creating a rich and creamy texture. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese across the top, covering the skillet and letting it melt into a golden, gooey blanket.

• Fresh Finale

Finish with a generous shower of freshly chopped cilantro. Serve piping hot alongside cool guacamole, smooth sour cream, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that celebrates bold, vibrant tastes.

Tips and Tweaks for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein profile.

Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to increase nutrition and create more texture in the dish.

Adjust cayenne and chili powder to make the skillet mild, medium, or extra hot according to your heat preference.

Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa instead of white rice for alternative grain options and added nutrients.

How to Plate and Serve Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish to add a bright, zesty flavor that complements the spicy chicken and cheese.
• Pair with Cool Sides: Serve alongside creamy guacamole or tangy sour cream to balance the heat and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm skillet meal.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add a crisp green salad to round out the dinner, bringing extra nutrition and a light, fresh element to the hearty chicken and rice skillet.
• Customize Your Plate: Let diners add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or additional cheese to personalize their serving and boost the flavor intensity.

Storing and Saving Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

• Maximize Meal Prep: Plan ahead by cooking extra chicken and rice to store separately in airtight containers for quick future meals.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and rice dish fresh and tasty in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Portion out meal into freezer-safe containers, which stay good for 2-3 months when properly sealed and labeled with date.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave or skillet, adding splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain original delicious texture.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole blends comfort with zesty southwestern flavors, creating a hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Rich layers of tender chicken, cheese, and spices promise a satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 ½ cups grated pepper jack cheese (lightly packed)
• 2 (8.8 oz / 250 g) bags microwaveable white rice
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 oz / 280 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
• ½ white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Spice Infusion: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic, diced onions, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground turmeric until onions turn translucent and spices become fragrant, roughly 3 minutes.
2. Sauce and Protein Fusion: Incorporate tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chiles into the seasoned skillet. Add shredded chicken, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
3. Rice Integration: Fold in microwaveable white rice, stirring to ensure even distribution. Simmer on medium heat, allowing the rice to warm and absorb the rich tomato sauce for 5-6 minutes.
4. Cheese Melting Finale: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle grated pepper jack cheese evenly across the surface. Cover with a lid and let cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Presentation and Garnish: Remove from heat, top with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with guacamole, sour cream, or a side salad for a complete Tex-Mex experience.

Notes

• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile without overwhelming spiciness.
• Chicken Preparation Tip: Use rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken to dramatically reduce overall recipe preparation time and simplify cooking process.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to melt slowly with lid on, creating a smooth, creamy texture that coats the entire casserole evenly and prevents burning.
• Storage Recommendation: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent rice from becoming dry or tough.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg