Description
Fiesta Chicken Casserole brings Southwestern spice and comfort to dinner tables with zesty layers of flavor. Cheesy, hearty goodness invites you to savor each delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Starches:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Tomato Base:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces / 285 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine shredded chicken, fluffy rice, tender black beans, sweet corn kernels, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, creamy sour cream, aromatic taco seasoning, pungent garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Evenly distribute the vibrant mixture across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over the entire surface, creating a rich and melty topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from the oven and enhance the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while the casserole is piping hot, allowing the flavors to tantalize the taste buds.
Notes
- Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity without extra cooking steps.
- Consider adding a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top before baking for a delightful crunchy texture that elevates the casserole’s overall eating experience.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning, allowing the dish to adapt to different spice preferences while maintaining its vibrant Mexican-inspired profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg