Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are a few recipes that instantly transport me back to childhood dinners—the kind where the kitchen filled with warm, savory aromas and everyone rushed to the table before the food had even cooled. This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes for me. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort and bold, lively Mexican-inspired flavors.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded why casseroles never go out of style: they’re simple, satisfying, and always big hits at family gatherings or busy weeknight dinners.
If you love meals that are hearty, easy to assemble, and bursting with flavor, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Best of all, it’s incredibly flexible—you can make it spicy, mild, extra cheesy, gluten-free, or even lower-carb with just a few substitutions.
Let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household staple!
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Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
One of the reasons this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is such a go-to is that most of the ingredients are pantry or refrigerator staples. Feel free to adjust according to your taste or what you have on hand.
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works beautifully!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 8–10 corn tortillas, cut into strips
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Extra sour cream
How to Prepare the Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe comes together quickly and requires very little hands-on time, which is why it’s perfect for weeknights. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Veggies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the casserole.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with chilies.
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined and coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a layer of tortilla strips across the bottom, followed by half of your chicken mixture.
Sprinkle about ½ cup of cheese over the top.
Repeat with another layer of tortilla strips, the remaining chicken mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly around the edges.
If you prefer a slightly golden top, turn the broiler on for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye on it!
Step 5: Let It Rest
This may be the hardest step, but it’s worth it!
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This helps the layers set and makes slicing and serving much easier.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but a few side options can elevate it even more:
Delicious Serving Ideas
- With a Side Salad
A crisp salad topped with lime vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness. - Alongside Mexican Rice or Cilantro-Lime Rice
Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. - With Warm Tortillas or Tortilla Chips
Scoop it, dip it, wrap it—whatever makes you happy! - Topped with Fresh Garnishes
Cilantro, diced avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream can add brightness and creaminess. - Add Salsa or Pico de Gallo
It adds a fresh, zesty punch that pairs beautifully with the casserole’s creaminess.
Whether you serve it family-style straight from the dish or portion it into bowls for a meal-prep-friendly lunch, this casserole works for almost any occasion.
Tips for the Best Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
It’s juicy, flavorful, and saves a ton of time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or slow-cooked shredded chicken.
2. Drain Ingredients Well
This prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Make sure beans, tomatoes, and corn are drained thoroughly.
3. Add More Veggies if You Want
Zucchini, jalapeños, or even spinach can boost the nutrition and flavor.
4. Cut Tortillas Into Strips Instead of Layering Whole
It creates a more even texture and makes scooping easier.
5. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Those 10 minutes help the casserole firm up, making it easier to serve clean slices.
6. Store and Freeze Easily
This casserole freezes beautifully. See below for instructions!
Variations You’ll Love
One of the best things about this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some of my favorite variations:
1. Low-Carb Mexican Chicken Casserole
Swap the tortillas for:
- Zucchini slices
- Cauliflower rice
- Low-carb tortillas
It comes out just as creamy and flavorful.
2. Spicy Mexican Chicken Casserole
Add any of these:
- 1–2 diced jalapeños
- Hot diced green chilies
- Extra cayenne or chipotle powder
- Pepper Jack cheese
3. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
Replace chicken with:
- Extra beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Meatless chicken strips
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
4. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free cream soup.
5. Chipotle Chicken Casserole
Stir in 1 tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
6. Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
Mix in 2 cups cooked rice to make the casserole heartier and stretch it further if you’re feeding a crowd.
FAQs
1. Can I make this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
Bake it the next day—just add 5–10 extra minutes since it will be colder.
2. Can I freeze this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Yes! This casserole freezes wonderfully.
Freeze it either baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
If baking from frozen, cover with foil and add 20–25 extra minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat a full casserole at 300°F for 20–25 minutes.
4. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
You can, but flour tortillas become softer and sometimes gummy after baking.
Corn tortillas hold up better and add more authentic flavor.
5. What other cheeses work for this recipe?
Try:
- Monterey Jack
- Cheddar
- Pepper Jack
- Oaxaca (for a super melty finish)
6. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the sour cream, cheese, and cream soup with dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of good substitutes available.
7. Can I add rice directly to the casserole?
If using uncooked rice, the mixture may dry out. Stick with pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice pouches.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe has everything you want in a comfort-food classic: rich flavor, gooey cheese, a satisfying texture, and ingredients that are easy to find and easy to love. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a busy weekday, take to a potluck, or prepare ahead for long work weeks.
What I love most about this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, cheesy or veggie-packed, gluten-free or low-carb, there’s a version that fits your lifestyle. And the leftovers—if you have any—taste even better the next day.
If you’re looking for a reliable, delicious, family-approved casserole, this one won’t disappoint. I hope it becomes a regular part of your dinner rotation just like it has in mine.