Pioneer Woman’s Zesty Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

My passion for hearty Mexican chicken casserole sparked when I first tasted this incredible Pioneer Woman creation that combines comfort and zest.

Layers of tender chicken, vibrant spices, and melted cheese make this dish a weeknight favorite.

Families crave these bold flavors that dance across your palate with each forkful.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical, promising deliciousness in every single bite.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Southwest-inspired ingredients promise a culinary adventure that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Come cook alongside me and transform an ordinary evening into a flavor celebration.

Pioneer Woman’s Take On Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that make everyone at the table cheer with delight.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Super simple prep with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Customize Your Dish: Easily adaptable recipe allows switching proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match family preferences.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with a single baking dish, making this meal perfect for busy households seeking delicious and stress-free dinner solutions.

Ingredients You Need For Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful base protein that provides the primary substance of the casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredients that contribute richness and a smooth texture to the casserole.

• Rotel Tomatoes, Taco Seasoning: Zesty ingredients that bring a spicy Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the dish.

• Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips that provide a satisfying crunch and form the base layer of the casserole.

• Chicken Broth: A moisture-adding ingredient that helps prevent the casserole from becoming too dry during baking.

Step-By-Step Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect cozy environment for this delicious dish.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Rotel tomatoes
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Taco seasoning

Stir everything together until the mixture looks wonderfully blended and appetizing.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Companions

Fire up a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Foundation

Grab a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Spread a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips across the bottom, creating a crunchy base.

Step 5: Layer the First Chicken Level

Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the chips, creating a hearty first layer.

Sprinkle a delicious blanket of shredded cheese on top.

Step 6: Add Sautéed Vegetable Magic

Distribute the sautéed onions and peppers evenly over the chicken layer, bringing extra depth and flavor to the casserole.

Step 7: Complete the Casserole Tower

Add the remaining chicken mixture on top.

Follow with another layer of tortilla chips and finish with a final cascade of cheese.

Step 8: Pour in Liquid Gold

Gently pour chicken broth over the entire casserole, helping to keep everything moist and delicious.

Step 9: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible top.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your Mexican chicken masterpiece!

Tips To Nail Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Shred chicken while still warm for easier and more even mixing with other ingredients.
• Crush tortilla chips coarsely to maintain crunch and prevent them from becoming too mushy during baking.
• Adjust taco seasoning amount or choose mild version for sensitive palates, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish.
• Sauté onions and peppers with a pinch of garlic for additional aromatic complexity and richer taste profile.
• Prepare casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking.

Variations To Try With Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce and use gluten-free tortilla chips for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortilla chips with cauliflower rice or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or plant-based chicken substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and increase taco seasoning for a more intense flavor profile with extra heat.

Serving Suggestions For Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Fiesta Night Pairing: Serve this zesty casserole with crisp green salad topped with cilantro and lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
• Tex-Mex Sidekick: Complement the dish with Mexican-style rice or refried beans to create a hearty, satisfying meal that brings extra flavor and texture.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños on top right before serving to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish.
• Cooling Companions: Add a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole on the side to balance the casserole's warm, spicy notes and provide a delightful temperature contrast.

Storage Advice For Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Wrap casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the casserole. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe as instructed.

• Is this casserole spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. Choose mild versions if you prefer less spice, or opt for hot varieties if you like more kick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken casserole, a hearty Tex-Mex delight, brings comfort and zest to dinner tables across America. Layers of spicy chicken, cheese, and tortillas create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken with Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to become tender and release their aromatic flavors.
4. Create the first foundational layer by spreading half of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Carefully distribute half of the seasoned chicken mixture over the chips, ensuring even coverage.
6. Generously sprinkle the first layer of shredded cheese across the chicken layer.
7. Scatter the sautéed onion and pepper mixture uniformly over the cheese.
8. Add the remaining chicken mixture as the next substantial layer.
9. Top with the remaining tortilla chips, creating a crunchy surface.
10. Complete the casserole by covering the top with the final layer of shredded cheese.
11. Gently pour chicken broth over the entire casserole to enhance moisture and flavor.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese and heated-through ingredients.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Swap traditional tortilla chips with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and enhanced flavor depth.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade or low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg