Mexican Chicken Casserole
Indulge in a fiesta of flavors with our mouthwatering Mexican Chicken Casserole—comfort food with a spicy twist!
Don’t you just love a family recipe? Whenever you take a bite of that ole time favorite dish you’re instantly flooded with past memorizes. That is what this dish does right here. I remember helping make this Mexican chicken casserole with my grandparents when I was around the age of 10. It’s always the yummy foods that you remember anyway.
Variations for Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Cheesy Enchilada Casserole: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with enchilada sauce and add some extra shredded cheese between the layers. Top it off with a drizzle of enchilada sauce before baking.
- Tex-Mex Style: Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. You can also top it with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Veggie Power: Boost the nutritional value by adding your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to the chicken mixture. Sauté them lightly before mixing in.
- Black Bean Fiesta: Mix in a can of rinsed and drained black beans along with the corn. The combination of beans and chicken adds a hearty and protein-packed twist to the casserole.
- Fresh Herb Infusion: Add a burst of freshness by mixing in some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley into the chicken mixture. It will give the casserole a vibrant flavor.
- Salsa Verde Delight: Swap the can of Rotel for salsa verde and add a layer of diced avocado between the tortillas and chicken mixture. The tangy flavor of salsa verde pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- Smoky Chipotle Kick: Stir in a tablespoon or two of chipotle in adobo sauce to the chicken mixture for a smoky and spicy twist. It adds a depth of flavor that’ll keep your taste buds dancing.
- Guacamole Topping: Instead of just garnishing with sliced avocado, spread a layer of guacamole over the tortillas before adding the chicken mixture. It creates a creamy and delicious surprise.
- Buffalo Chicken Twist: Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before mixing it with the other ingredients. Top it off with crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a flavorful kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the corn tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or use thinly sliced zucchini as an alternative. This way, those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy this tasty casserole.
Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Shredded chicken: Bringing protein-packed goodness and making it oh-so-satisfying for the whole family.
- Diced green chilies: These little gems add a touch of spice and a burst of flavor
- Cream of mushroom soup: Creamy and oh-so-yummy, this soup adds richness and a comforting texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Cream of chicken soup: This soup blends perfectly with the other ingredients, adding a savory touch and bringing everything together.
- Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies): Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth! This zesty mix adds a tangy kick and a lively twist to our casserole.
- Corn: Corn brings a pop of freshness and balances out the flavors. It’s a must-have for that authentic Mexican flair.
- Black Beans: add a little dose of fiber to the recipe
- Corn tortillas: These soft tortillas create layers of deliciousness and soak up all the flavors as they bake.
- Chopped onion: Say hello to aromatic goodness! The onions add a touch of sweetness and a wonderful depth of flavor to our dish.
- Chili powder: Time to spice things up! This magical blend brings warmth and a hint of heat, infusing the casserole with that irresistible Mexican charm.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Get ready for melty goodness! This cheese is a dream when it comes to making our casserole creamy, ooey-gooey, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Sharp cheese: Add some zing to your dish! The sharp cheese brings a tangy twist and balances out the creaminess, taking our casserole to the next level.
- Chicken broth: Moisture is the secret! This savory liquid keeps everything tender and ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor.
What to Serve with this Dish
- Mexican Rice: Whip up a batch of fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice, seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika. It’s the ideal sidekick to our casserole, adding more Mexican flair to the meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and oh-so-satisfying, a side of refried beans will bring that authentic Tex-Mex touch. Serve them warm and top with a sprinkle of cheese for an extra indulgence.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Who can resist the classic combo of creamy guacamole and crispy tortilla chips? It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a delightful texture and a burst of flavor to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Elevate your plate with a medley of colorful roasted veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. They add a wholesome and nutritious touch to the feast.
- Mexican Street Corn: Treat your taste buds to the smoky and tangy flavors of Mexican street corn. Grilled or roasted corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder is a side dish that will steal the show.
- Fresh Salsa and Tortilla Chips: Pile on the freshness with a bowl of vibrant and chunky salsa. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips for a burst of tanginess and a delightful crunch.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Bring some zesty goodness to the table with cilantro lime rice. Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro is a fantastic companion to the casserole, adding brightness and a pop of flavor.
- Mexican Street Salad: Combine shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice for a light and zingy Mexican-inspired salad. It’s a refreshing side that adds a beautiful contrast to the casserole.
- Churros: Let’s not forget dessert! Indulge in some homemade churros dusted with cinnamon sugar. These crispy, sugary treats are a perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note.
Tips and Tricks for Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time: Save time by cooking and shredding the chicken in advance. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even prepare it in a slow cooker for tender and flavorful results.
- Add a touch of heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to amp up the heat! Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. It’s a great way to tailor the recipe to your family’s spice preferences.
- Sauté the onions for extra flavor: Before adding the chopped onions to the casserole, sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they turn golden and fragrant. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
- Mix and match cheeses: While the recipe calls for Monterey Jack and sharp cheese, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations. Pepper jack, Colby, or even a touch of queso fresco can add a unique twist to the casserole.
- Layer it up: When assembling the casserole, layer the ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is a delicious medley of flavors. Start with a layer of tortillas, followed by the chicken mixture, cheese, and repeat until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
- Let it rest before serving: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before diving in. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish with a fresh touch: Before serving, don’t forget to add some fresh garnishes to brighten up the dish. Chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice can take the casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Make it a freezer-friendly meal: This recipe is a fantastic candidate for batch cooking. Prepare a double portion and freeze half of it for those busy days when you need a quick and flavorful meal. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy!
- Get creative with toppings: Customize your casserole with fun toppings. Sour cream, salsa, sliced black olives, or even a dollop of guacamole can add extra layers of flavor and make it even more enjoyable.
- Share the love: This casserole is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Prepare it for potlucks, game nights, or gatherings, and watch everyone fall in love with your culinary skills.
Want more Casserole Recipes?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
Mexican Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken
- 1 small can 7oz diced green chilies
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of Rotel
- 1 can of corn drained
- 1 can black beans
- 1 package of corn tortillas use about 12 tortillas
- ½ medium chopped onions
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 lb of Monterrey Jack cheese
- ½ lb of sharp cheese
- ½ cup of chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 350
- Saute chopped onions and green chilies on stove top with a little butter or butter substitute
- Add the sauteed veggies with chicken, cream of soups, Rotel, corn, black beans, and chili powder and mix together in a bowl
- Grease a 9×13 casserole dish
- In a shallow bowl add your chicken broth and soak your corn tortillas in that
- Line the bottom of your dish with the broth soaked tortillas in one layer
- Then line a layer of the chicken mixture on top of tortillas with a layer of half the cheese on top
- Do another layer of tortillas, then mixture, then cheese on top
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes
- Cut into desired portion servings. Using a metal spatula is helpful to cut through the layer of tortillas
Notes
- Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time: Save time by cooking and shredding the chicken in advance. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even prepare it in a slow cooker for tender and flavorful results.
- Add a touch of heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to amp up the heat! Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. It’s a great way to tailor the recipe to your family’s spice preferences.
- Sauté the onions for extra flavor: Before adding the chopped onions to the casserole, sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they turn golden and fragrant. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
- Mix and match cheeses: While the recipe calls for Monterey Jack and sharp cheese, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations. Pepper jack, Colby, or even a touch of queso fresco can add a unique twist to the casserole.
- Layer it up: When assembling the casserole, layer the ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is a delicious medley of flavors. Start with a layer of tortillas, followed by the chicken mixture, cheese, and repeat until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
- Let it rest before serving: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before diving in. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish with a fresh touch: Before serving, don’t forget to add some fresh garnishes to brighten up the dish. Chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice can take the casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Make it a freezer-friendly meal: This recipe is a fantastic candidate for batch cooking. Prepare a double portion and freeze half of it for those busy days when you need a quick and flavorful meal. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy!
- Get creative with toppings: Customize your casserole with fun toppings. Sour cream, salsa, sliced black olives, or even a dollop of guacamole can add extra layers of flavor and make it even more enjoyable.
- Share the love: This casserole is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Prepare it for potlucks, game nights, or gatherings, and watch everyone fall in love with your culinary skills.