Here’s a detailed recipe for Fiesta Chicken Casserole—a flavorful, cheesy dish with chicken, veggies, and a blend of spices that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
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For the Casserole:
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
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1 cup diced bell peppers (mix red, green, yellow for color)
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*tel)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
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1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
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1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
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1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (optional, for crunch)
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1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
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For the Topping:
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
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A few extra tortilla chips for topping (optional)
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Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
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Directions:
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, cook your chicken however you prefer (grilled, baked, or sautéed) and shred it with a fork. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the following:
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Shredded chicken
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Black beans
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Corn
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Diced bell peppers
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Red onion
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Diced tomatoes with green chilies
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Sour cream
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Cream of chicken soup
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Taco seasoning
Stir it all together until well combined. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little cooking spray or butter. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Add the Crunchy Layer (Optional):
If you like a little crunch in your casserole, sprinkle a layer of crushed tortilla chips over the top of the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle some sliced olives if you like them!
6. Add Cheese:
Top the casserole with 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese. Spread it evenly across the top.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Add the Final Touches:
If you want an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor (optional). Serve with additional crushed tortilla chips on the side, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess!
Pro Tips:
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Make it Spicy: Add a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños to kick up the heat.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition.
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Make Ahead: You can prep this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook. It may need an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
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Vegetarian Option: Use beans, corn, and extra veggies instead of chicken, and swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a tasty vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions:
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Side Dishes: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple green salad.
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Drinks: A chilled glass of iced tea, lemonade, or soda pairs perfectly with this meal.