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Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is an easy-to-make, vibrant, and satisfying dinner packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, melty cheese, and Mexican-style spices. Perfect for family dinners, this festive casserole offers bright flavors and comforting textures with minimal prep time and customizable options to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 cups bite-sized chicken breast pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Dairy & Eggs

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • ½ cup sour cream (for topping)

Carbohydrates

  • 68 flour tortillas (for layering)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Oils & Others

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Season with Mexican-style spices including paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, add chopped bell peppers, frozen corn, and black beans. Sauté just until warmed through to meld the flavors.
  2. Assemble the Casserole Layers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a casserole dish, lay flour tortillas evenly on the bottom to create a soft but sturdy base. Spread a portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Repeat layering 2-3 times, finishing with cheese on top.
  3. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
  4. Add Fresh Finishing Touches: Remove casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving to add freshness and balance.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken shredded as a time-saving alternative that adds extra flavor.
  • Don’t overcook vegetables; keep bell peppers slightly crisp to maintain color and texture.
  • Layer cheese and chicken mixture evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
  • Tent the casserole with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from drying out, then uncover to brown.
  • Customize cheese with pepper jack for spiciness or mozzarella for creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fiesta Chicken Casserole, Mexican casserole, chicken dinner, baked chicken dish, family-friendly recipe, easy casserole, weeknight dinner