If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Mexican Chicken Casserole is the perfect recipe! This dish is loaded with tender chicken, zesty salsa, hearty beans, and layers of melty cheese, all topped off with crunchy tortilla chips or tortillas. It’s a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving some Mexican-inspired comfort food, this casserole will definitely hit the spot!
What is Mexican Chicken Casserole?
Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish made by layering shredded chicken, beans, salsa, cheese, and tortillas or tortilla chips, then baking it all together until bubbly and golden. It’s similar to a traditional enchilada bake but much easier to assemble since there’s no need to roll individual enchiladas. The result is a cheesy, saucy, and savory dish that’s packed with bold Mexican flavors.
Ingredients List for Mexican Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Mexican Chicken Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 10 small corn tortillas (or about 4 cups crushed tortilla chips)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 ½ cups salsa (use your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Ro-Tel works well)
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is super versatile, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Meat Alternatives: Swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or shredded pork for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more beans, like pinto or kidney beans, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a delicious meatless version.
- Cheese Substitutes: You can use your favorite cheese blend, like Mexican blend, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy casserole.
- Tortilla Substitutes: Instead of corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, tortilla chips, or even Fritos for a different texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Mexican Chicken Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chiles, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Stir until everything is well-mixed and evenly coated with the sauce.
- Layer the casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of corn tortillas or tortilla chips over the chicken mixture. If you’re using tortillas, tear them into halves or quarters to fit them into the dish. If using chips, simply sprinkle them over the top in an even layer.
- Spoon about half of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas/chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Add another layer of tortillas or chips on top, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired, then slice and serve.
How to Cook Mexican Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the process:
- Mix the Filling: Combine shredded chicken, beans, corn, salsa, tomatoes, sour cream, and taco seasoning in a bowl.
- Layer the Casserole: Alternate layers of tortillas/chips, chicken mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake, then uncover and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beans or Tomatoes: Be sure to drain the beans and tomatoes well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Overcooking the Casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the cheese and chicken.
- Using Too Many Tortillas: Don’t overload the casserole with tortillas, as they can soak up too much sauce and make the dish dry. One or two layers are usually enough.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few sides to round out the meal:
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs perfectly with the cheesy casserole.
- Refried Beans: Serve with warm refried beans or black beans for an extra dose of protein.
- Chips and Salsa: A bowl of tortilla chips with fresh salsa or guacamole makes for a great appetizer or side.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish. Use a spatula to cut and lift large squares of the casserole onto plates.
- Individual Portions: For a fun twist, serve the casserole in small, individual-sized ramekins or oven-safe dishes.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Garnish the top of the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapeños for a pop of color.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added creaminess.
Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed.
- Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake when ready.
Can I freeze Mexican Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the dish, cover it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Can I use tortilla chips instead of tortillas?
Yes! Tortilla chips add a great crunchy texture to the casserole. You can layer them just like tortillas or crush them up for a topping.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
To reheat, place leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Conclusion
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving Mexican-inspired comfort food. With layers of tender chicken, beans, salsa, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation. Try this recipe tonight—you’ll love how simple and delicious it is!
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Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish packed with flavors from shredded chicken, salsa, black beans, and corn. Topped with melted cheese and crispy tortilla chips, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. It's a satisfying, one-dish meal that brings Mexican-inspired flavors to the table in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can corn (15 oz, drained)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, black beans, corn, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top, followed by half of the crushed tortilla chips.
- Layer the remaining chicken mixture over the chips, then top with the remaining cheese and tortilla chips.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat, or diced bell peppers for more veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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