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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use corn tortillas)
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
- 6–8 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Fiesta Chicken Casserole, Mexican casserole, chicken dinner, baked chicken dish, family-friendly recipe, easy casserole, weeknight dinner