Mexican Chicken Casserole
A delightful one-pan meal combining spiced chicken, savory beans, and melting cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped Forms the base of the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped Adds flavor.
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped Optional for heat; stemmed and seeded.
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp chili powder Adds warmth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin Common in Mexican cuisine.
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper Adds depth.
- 1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes Intensifies richness.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup Acts as a binder.
- 1 15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained Adds creaminess.
- 1 15.25 oz can corn, drained Adds sweetness.
Toppings and Garnishes
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips, divided Adds crunch.
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Adds sharpness.
- 1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided Offers mild flavor.
- to taste chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, avocado For serving.
Cooking Essentials
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil For sautéing.
- as needed cooking spray To grease the baking pan.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.
- Cook the onion, stirring occasionally until slightly tender and just turning golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add the jalapeño (if using) and garlic; cook, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the chicken, beans, corn, salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the tomatoes and soup; stir to combine.
Assembly
- Spread half of the chicken mixture on the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Top with half of the crushed tortilla chips, half of the cheddar, and half of the Monterey Jack.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture, chips, and cheese.
Baking
- Bake your casserole until bubbly and golden, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Finish by topping with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeño.
- Let the bubbling goodness sit for a few moments before serving.
Notes
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Ensure ingredients are prepped before starting to create a smoother workflow. Feel free to customize spices and toppings to your taste.