Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Packed with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melty cheese, it combines Mexican-inspired ingredients into a comforting casserole that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a layered pasta dish using spiral pasta featuring a bright yellow color. The pasta is covered with a creamy orange sauce mixed with black beans and bits of white cheese, giving a melted texture on top. There are small chunks of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered across the dish, adding pops of color. On the side inside the bowl, slices of fresh green jalapeño peppers are visible. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled texture with a blue and white cloth beneath it. A woman's hand is holding a silver spoon scooping a portion of the dish showing the creamy, cheesy texture mixed with pasta and beans. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 10 oz pasta
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. Drain well.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning until thoroughly combined.
  4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Fold the cooked pasta into the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined. Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Swap the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
  • Try adding chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra vegetables.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white dish filled with a layered pasta bake where the bottom layer is golden rotini pasta mixed with black beans and yellow corn, covered by melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese creating a gooey orange and white top layer. Scattered bright red diced tomatoes and chopped green cilantro leaves sit evenly on top, along with five green jalapeño slices arranged on one side near the edge. The pasta edges are slightly browned and crispy. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with part of a silver serving spoon visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What pasta works best in this casserole?

Medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work well as they hold the sauce and ingredients nicely without becoming mushy.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and hearty dish combining shredded chicken, black beans, corn, pasta, and a zesty blend of salsa, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Topped with melted Mexican cheese, this easy-to-make casserole bursts with bold southwestern flavors, making it a perfect comforting weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Base and Dairy

  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, divided (1 cup + 1 cup)

Grains and Seasoning

  • 10 oz pasta
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta for two minutes less than the package instructions suggest to ensure al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir well to create a flavorful sauce base.
  4. Combine Main Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, drained black beans, corn kernels, and 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend to the sauce mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well blended.
  5. Add Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of all components.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding fresh cilantro or chopped green onions as garnish after baking can enhance flavor and presentation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Fiesta Chicken Casserole, Mexican casserole, chicken pasta bake, taco seasoned casserole, easy dinner casserole

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating