Mexican Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. Whether you're a fan of Ree Drummond's Pioneer Woman recipes or just love hearty, flavorful casseroles, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Packed with shredded chicken, cheese, and zesty Mexican flavors, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Read on to discover everything you need to know about making this mouthwatering Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, including step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make it your own!
What is Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole?
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a rich, cheesy dish made with layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, and a flavorful sauce featuring classic Mexican flavors like tomatoes, chilies, and spices. It's essentially a fusion of a casserole and enchiladas, making it a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish.
Unlike other casseroles, this one features a unique blend of ingredients that give it a fresh, bold flavor with every bite. The best part? It's easy to customize with various substitutions or additions to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress.
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious casserole:
- 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Additional Ingredients for More Flavor
Want to amp up the flavor? You can also include these optional ingredients for a more robust casserole:
- 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 can of sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
Substitutions and Variations
While this Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up depending on your preferences or what you have in your pantry:
- Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use turkey, ground beef, or shredded pork as a substitute.
- Cheese: Swap out the Mexican blend cheese for Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or even Pepper Jack for extra spice.
- Tortillas: You can use flour tortillas if you prefer them over corn, but corn tortillas offer a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Cream Soup: Instead of cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or beans for a meatless version of this casserole.
Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple instructions to create a delicious Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to go when the casserole is assembled.
- Sauté the Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and sautéed onions. Stir until smooth and fully mixed.
- Prepare the Casserole Layers: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce mixture. Then, layer ⅓ of the tortillas, followed by ⅓ of the shredded chicken, and ⅓ of the cheese. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.
How to Cook Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Sauté onions until soft.
- Step 3: Mix cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, and spices in a bowl.
- Step 4: Layer sauce, tortillas, chicken, and cheese in a 9x13 baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes covered, then 10-15 minutes uncovered.
- Step 6: Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using raw chicken: Make sure your chicken is pre-cooked before assembling the casserole. Using raw chicken will result in uneven cooking and can compromise food safety.
- Overcooking the casserole: Be careful not to overbake the casserole, especially after removing the foil. You want the cheese melted and slightly browned, but not burnt.
- Skipping the resting period: Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial for easy slicing and serving. If you cut into it too soon, it might fall apart.
- Too much liquid: Don't add too much chicken broth or extra liquid, as this can make your casserole soggy. The sauce should be thick enough to hold its shape when layered with the tortillas and chicken.
- Not seasoning the chicken: Make sure to season the chicken with a bit of salt and pepper, even if it's pre-cooked. This ensures every bite of the casserole is packed with flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, presentation matters! Here are some tips to make your dish as visually appealing as it is delicious:
- Add fresh toppings: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and green onions will brighten up the dish and add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Serve with sides: Pair this casserole with Mexican rice, a light side salad, or even refried beans for a complete meal.
- Offer condiments: Set out bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole so everyone can top their casserole slice to their liking.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
To serve this casserole, simply cut it into squares or rectangles and use a spatula to lift out portions. Each slice will have a satisfying mix of tortillas, chicken, and cheese. It's perfect for serving family-style straight from the baking dish or on individual plates.
Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
For a stylish presentation, garnish each portion with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a few slices of avocado. You can also sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top for an authentic Mexican touch.
Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the baking instructions as usual.
- Double the recipe: If you're feeding a large crowd, this recipe is easy to double. Just use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Yes! If you like your food with a bit of heat, you can add diced jalapeños, use a spicier Rotel variety, or increase the chili powder and cumin.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer, but keep in mind that corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas and a gluten-free cream soup.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its layers of seasoned chicken, tortillas, and melted cheese, it's hard to resist. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different ingredients and spice levels, making it a versatile recipe that will satisfy everyone at the table. Give it a try for your next family dinner, and watch it become a regular on your menu! Don't forget to garnish and serve with fresh, zesty toppings for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience.
PrintPioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and cheesy Tex-Mex dish combining shredded chicken, tortillas, and classic Mexican ingredients. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or gathering. Keywords: Mexican Chicken Casserole, Pioneer Woman recipe, Tex-Mex casserole.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion until soft.
- Mix in the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Rotel, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the torn tortillas, followed by half of the chicken mixture, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred.
- Add a can of black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
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