Name: Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 2 tbsp. neutral oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 small jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, finely chopped (optional), plus more, thinly sliced, for serving; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 3 c. shredded cooked chicken; 1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, rinsed, drained; 1 (15.25-oz.) can corn, drained; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. chili powder; 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 1 (15-oz.) can fire-roasted tomatoes; 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup; 2 c. crushed tortilla chips, divided; 1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar, divided; 1 1/2 c. shredded Monterey Jack, divided

Jump to Recipe

The Mexican Chicken Casserole is the vibrant, soul-warming dish I crave when I want both maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Imagine layers of tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, black beans, melty cheese, and just the right kiss of spice, all nestled together with crunchy tortilla chips. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at your next get-together, this crowd-pleaser brings genuine comfort with a Tex-Mex twist that’s impossible to resist.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Mexican Chicken Casserole is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in making the dish sing. From pantry staples like beans and canned corn to zippy jalapeño and creamy soup, these ingredients come together for a casserole that’s full of color, taste, and texture.

Cooking spray: Keeps your casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a snap.
Neutral oil: Any mild oil works for sautéing the veggies without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds deep, savory undertones to build the casserole’s flavor base.
Jalapeño: Brings fresh, gentle heat—use as much (or as little) as you like.
Garlic: Everything tastes better with a pop of aromatic garlic.
Shredded cooked chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken for ease or use leftovers—soaks up every bit of flavor.
Black beans: For heartiness and a deep, earthy balance.
Canned corn: Adds pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors throughout the whole dish.
Chili powder: Lends warmth and that classic Tex-Mex essence.
Ground cumin: Adds tempting, smoky depth and just a hint of citrus.
Freshly ground black pepper: Offers subtle bite and roundness of flavor.
Fire-roasted tomatoes: Bring a roasty, tangy richness to the sauce.
Cream of chicken soup: This creamy shortcut ties everything together luxuriously.
Crushed tortilla chips: For a satisfying crunch in every layer—don’t skip them!
Shredded cheddar: Melts beautifully, adding sharpness and a gooey, golden top.
Shredded Monterey Jack: Smooth, buttery, and fantastic when baked.
Chopped fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado: Bring brightness and a burst of freshness to every serving.

How to Make Mexican Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your trusty 13″ x 9″ baking pan and give it a good coat of cooking spray. This little step means your Mexican Chicken Casserole will release beautifully and cleanup will be a breeze—no cheesy bits stuck behind!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion takes on a hint of golden color and softens (about 5 minutes). Now, stir in the jalapeño (if using) and garlic, letting everything get wonderfully fragrant for about a minute longer.

Step 3: Flavorful Chicken Filling

Pile in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and cook for another 5 minutes, just until it’s all heated through and every piece is coated in smoky-spicy goodness. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and the cream of chicken soup, stirring well so your filling becomes creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Spread half the chicken mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top it with half of the crushed tortilla chips, a generous portion of shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Repeat the layering with the remaining chicken mixture, more chips, and the rest of the cheese. This step is when your Mexican Chicken Casserole really starts to take shape!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and irresistibly golden. The kitchen will smell incredible and you’ll know dinner is nearly ready.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Toppings

Remove the casserole from the oven and shower it with freshly chopped cilantro, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a few sliced jalapeños if you’re feeling bold. These toppings add just the right touch of freshness to the rich, savory casserole below.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, and chunks of creamy avocado on top of your freshly baked Mexican Chicken Casserole take it from delicious to unforgettable. Go wild with thinly sliced jalapeños for a little kick, or add a dollop of sour cream for a cooling contrast. This quick garnish routine makes every serving look like a party on a plate.

Side Dishes

Round out the meal with easy sides! A handful of lime wedges, light and crispy tortilla chips, or a tossed green salad add lovely balance. Fresh pico de gallo, Mexican rice, or refried beans are stellar companions for Mexican Chicken Casserole, making your dinner feel even more festive and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake things up, try scooping the hot casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner-party wow factor, or use it as a zesty filling for nachos or stuffed bell peppers. For gatherings, serve it buffet-style with a topping bar so everyone can customize their Mexican Chicken Casserole masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Chicken Casserole stores beautifully! Simply spoon any extra into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so your lunch the next day might be even tastier than dinner.

Freezing

Need a dinnertime shortcut? Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it—then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen (add a little extra time), or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as normal.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. For a quick fix, individual portions reheat wonderfully in the microwave, just be sure to use a microwave-safe container so that your Mexican Chicken Casserole stays moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut for Mexican Chicken Casserole because it’s juicy, full of flavor, and makes prep even faster. Just shred and use as directed.

How spicy does this casserole turn out?

It truly depends on your jalapeño and chili powder! If you prefer a mild Mexican Chicken Casserole, skip the jalapeño or remove the seeds, and reduce the chili powder. For more heat, add extra peppers or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

You sure can! Just grab a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and double-check your tortilla chips. Everything else in the casserole is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.

What other cheeses work well in Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Monterey Jack and cheddar are classic, but feel free to experiment with Pepper Jack for extra spice, Colby, or even a Mexican blend for melty perfection. Just make sure you use plenty for that stretchy, golden layer!

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken quickly?

The fastest trick is to toss warm, cooked chicken pieces into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and let it do the work for you (just a few seconds!). Or simply use two forks to pull apart by hand—you’ll be all set either way for your casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner bursting with Tex-Mex flair and guaranteed to bring everyone running to the table, this Mexican Chicken Casserole is your answer. It’s unfussy yet totally impressive, packed with goodness, and impossibly comforting. Do yourself a favor and give it a try—you’ll be hooked after just one bite!

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Layers of tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices are topped with melty cheese and crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13″ x 9″ pan with cooking spray.
Sauté Onion and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until tender, then add jalapeño and garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Cook Chicken Mixture: Add chicken, beans, corn, salt, chili powder, cumin, and pepper. Cook until warmed through. Stir in tomatoes and soup.
Layer Casserole: Spread half of the chicken mixture in the pan. Top with half of chips, cheddar, and Monterey Jack. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serve: Top with cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeño slices before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be customized with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your preferred cheese blend.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican