Description
Hearty Mexican chicken casserole blends zesty spices and comforting layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas. Delicious flavors meld together, creating a perfect meal that brings family and friends around the table with authentic southwestern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 12 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 12 cups (340 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10 small flour tortillas (cut into strips)
Pantry Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans (drained)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- 1 package taco seasoning
Garnish and Optional Serving:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
- Combine shredded poultry with zesty salsa, protein-rich legumes, sweet corn kernels, aromatic taco blend, and a generous portion of shredded dairy topping in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Prepare a rectangular ceramic baking dish with a light coating of culinary lubricant to prevent adherence.
- Create the first foundation layer using crisp tortilla fragments, spreading them evenly across the dish’s base.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned chicken medley over the tortilla base, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Construct a secondary layer of tortilla strips atop the initial chicken mixture, mimicking the previous layering technique.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese blend over the entire casserole surface, creating a golden, melting crown.
- Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Monitor the casserole until it reaches a bubbling consistency and develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Remove from the oven and permit the dish to settle for a brief cooling interval.
- Optional: Embellish with a dollop of tangy cream and freshly chopped cilantro before serving to elevate the culinary presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy salsa to match your preferred flavor intensity.
- Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian version that maintains the classic Mexican taste profile.
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to boost nutritional value and create a gluten-free alternative for sensitive diets.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly for a convenient weeknight meal that saves time without compromising deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg