Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant, cheesy, and flavorful dish loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices—all baked to perfection under a blanket of melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole brings the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table in under an hour. Serve it with tortilla chips, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-dish meal—perfect for busy weeknights
• Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins
• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican rice)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Jalapeños, sliced (optional for heat)
• Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and jalapeños (if using). Serve hot with tortilla chips, salsa, or sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Fiesta Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Taco Fiesta Casserole: Add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken works, but fresh shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken provides better texture and flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully and offer bold flavor.

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, cooked quinoa is a great high-protein substitute for rice.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to keep it moist, then remove for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions for added nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, just thaw it before adding it to the casserole mixture.

What sides go well with fiesta chicken casserole?

Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How do I make the casserole creamier?

Add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or an additional 2 ounces of cream cheese to the filling for a creamier texture.

Conclusion

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a cheesy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Loaded with chicken, beans, and Tex-Mex spices, this casserole brings the party to your table in under an hour. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

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