Absolutely! Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Fiesta Chicken Casserole, including a flavorful mix of Tex-Mex ingredients, easy preparation, and a helpful FAQ section. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with protein and veggies—and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
🌽🍗 Fiesta Chicken Casserole
🕒 Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
🔥 Oven Temp: 375°F (190°C)
🌶️ Spice Level: Mild–Moderate (customizable)
📝 What Is Fiesta Chicken Casserole?
Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a one-pan baked dish loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and pasta or rice—blended in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked until bubbly. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex dinner that comes together with pantry staples and minimal prep.
🧄 Ingredients:
🔸 Protein & Base:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow) OR 2 cups cooked rice
🔸 Veggies & Add-Ins:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups frozen)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes for less heat)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
🔸 Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🔸 Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- Optional: Crushed tortilla chips, green onions, or jalapeños for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Prep the Base
- Cook pasta or rice according to package directions.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
✅ Step 2: Cook Aromatics (Optional but flavorful!)
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and bell pepper in a little oil for 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
✅ Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Cooked pasta or rice
- Sautéed veggies (if using)
- Black beans, corn, and Rotel
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
Mix until everything is creamy and evenly combined.
✅ Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly on top.
✅ Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end to make the cheese golden.
✅ Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Top with sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro if desired.
- Serve with a side salad, tortilla chips, or even wrapped in tortillas like a burrito.
🔁 Variations & Substitutions:
| Want to Change… | Try This Instead! |
|---|---|
| Cream soup | Use cream of mushroom or a homemade roux |
| Chicken | Use ground beef, shredded pork, or plant-based crumbles |
| Dairy-Free | Use dairy-free cheese, coconut cream, and omit cream cheese |
| Spicy | Add hot Rotel, jalapeños, or chipotle in adobo |
| Low Carb | Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice |
❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I make Fiesta Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely.
- Assemble and wrap tightly in foil + plastic wrap. Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake straight from frozen (add 20–30 minutes extra time, covered with foil).
Q3: Can I use uncooked pasta or rice in the casserole?
It’s not recommended unless using a recipe specifically developed for that. For this version, cook pasta or rice first to avoid undercooked or overly mushy texture.
Q4: Is there a way to make it healthier?
Yes!
- Use low-fat sour cream and cheese
- Add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes
- Use brown rice or whole wheat pasta
Q5: What can I serve with Fiesta Chicken Casserole?
- Tortilla chips or cornbread
- Guacamole, sour cream, or salsa
- Simple green salad
- Mexican street corn (elote)
Q6: Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes, but it’s best for warming rather than baking. Assemble all ingredients and cook on low for 2–3 hours until hot. Add cheese in the last 15–20 minutes.
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