Ultimate Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipes: Easy Family Dinner

Looking for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dinner that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this classic Mexican Chicken Casserole! This recipe is the definition of comfort food – simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

dish of mexican chicken casserole

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Casserole

Casseroles are the ultimate solution for easy and satisfying meals, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. What’s fantastic about this Mexican chicken casserole is how versatile it is. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it later, making it a lifesaver for those hectic evenings.

The taste? Think Taco Tuesday, but in casserole form! All those beloved Mexican flavors are baked into one cheesy, comforting dish. It’s reminiscent of your favorite tacos or enchiladas, but simplified into an easy-to-make casserole.

If you’re craving more easy casserole inspiration, you might also enjoy our Chicken Spaghetti or for a different flavor profile, the rich and creamy Beef Stroganoff Casserole.

overhead photo of mexican chicken cassrole

Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful Casserole

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry!

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Mexican Chicken Casserole:

Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips form a wonderful base and topping for the casserole, adding a satisfying crunch. You’ll divide these, using some for the bottom layer and the rest for the top.
Black Beans: Canned black beans, drained and rinsed, provide a hearty and nutritious element.
Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, makes this recipe incredibly quick. Diced or shredded chicken works perfectly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple creates a creamy and flavorful sauce that binds the casserole together. Make sure to use it straight from the can – no need to add water or milk.
Cumin: Ground cumin adds that essential warm, earthy Mexican flavor.
Rotel Tomatoes: A can of undrained Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes with green chilies) brings a touch of spice and moisture.
Shredded Cheese: A combination of Jack and Cheddar cheese creates a melty, cheesy topping that everyone loves.
Garnishes (optional): Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños (for those who like a little extra heat) are perfect for adding a fresh finish just before serving.

For exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Chicken Casserole

Follow these easy steps to create this family-favorite Mexican Chicken Casserole. For the printable recipe version with all measurements and instructions, simply jump to the recipe card below.

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Chip Layer: Lightly crush about 3 cups of tortilla chips. Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of the crushed chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a crispy base for your casserole.

crushed tortilla chips in bottom of casserole dish
Chicken & Bean Layer: Layer the diced cooked chicken and drained black beans over the bed of crushed tortilla chips. Distribute them evenly.

black beans over chicken in casserole
Creamy Soup Mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and cumin until well combined. It’s important not to add any water or milk to the soup – you want it to be thick and creamy. Spread this soup mixture evenly over the chicken and beans, using a spatula to gently ensure it covers the entire top layer. Next, spoon the undrained canned tomatoes over the soup layer.

canned soup layer in casserole
Cheese & Chip Topping: Sprinkle both the Jack and Cheddar cheeses evenly over the tomato layer. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining crushed tortilla chips.

chips and cheese layer in casserole dish
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

mexican chicken casserole
Garnish & Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for a pop of freshness and color.
Enjoy! Serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy. For those who like a bit of extra spice, offer slices of fresh jalapeño on the side.

plate of mexican chicken casserole

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Chicken Casserole

Can I prepare this Mexican chicken casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, up to the point of adding the tortilla chips on top. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle the remaining tortilla chips over the top, and bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully, either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, again, hold off on adding the top layer of tortilla chips. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time) or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the chips just before baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze as described. Thaw and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Can I use Doritos instead of tortilla chips?

Definitely! Doritos add a fun and flavorful twist. Nacho cheese Doritos are a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. Ranch or Cool Ranch Doritos could also be interesting options!

What is the calorie count for this Mexican chicken casserole?

Based on 10 servings, each portion of this Mexican Chicken Casserole contains approximately 334 calories. Keep in mind that serving sizes can vary, so this is an estimate. Consider this when planning your meal portions.

Serving Suggestions:

We love to top each serving with a spoonful of fresh salsa, like my homemade salsa fresca, for an extra burst of flavor. Sour cream or guacamole would also be delicious additions.

More Delicious Mexican Inspired Recipes

Craving more Mexican flavors? Explore these other easy and tasty recipes:

[Link to other Mexican Recipes on gaymexico.net here]

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is truly a winner for any occasion. It’s easy, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and make dinner time a breeze!

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

spoon lifting out a serving of mexican chicken casserole

Classic Comfort Food – Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

3 cups crushed tortilla chips or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips, divided
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
21 oz cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each), do not add water or milk
10 oz can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
2 cups shredded Jack cheese
2 cups shredded medium Cheddar cheese
1 tomato, diced (for garnish)
1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped (for garnish)
Jalapeños, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish.
Lightly crush tortilla chips and sprinkle 1 cup of the crushed chips in the bottom of the dish.
Layer chicken and black beans over the chips.
Stir cumin into cream of chicken soup. Spread over chicken and beans. Top with undrained Rotel tomatoes.
Sprinkle cheeses over tomatoes and top with remaining 2 cups crushed chips.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until hot, bubbly and cheese is melted.
Garnish with cilantro and diced tomatoes.
Serve immediately with jalapeño slices, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimated value and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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