If you’re craving bold flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness, this Mexican Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that hits all the right notes. Loaded with seasoned chicken, savory salsa, melty cheese, and a layer of tortillas, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to please the whole family. Keep reading for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations that make this dish extra delicious!
What is Mexican Chicken Casserole?
Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty, layered dish that combines tender chicken, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and tortillas into a single, savory casserole. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a melty, cheesy topping that contrasts with the layers of juicy chicken and tortillas underneath. It’s packed with Mexican-inspired flavors and is perfect for a filling, one-pan meal that’s as easy as it is flavorful.
Ingredients List for Mexican Chicken Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and cheesy Mexican Chicken Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for variation)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10-12 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces (or flour tortillas if preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices (optional for serving)
Substitutions and Variations for Mexican Chicken Casserole
Here are some easy swaps and variations to customize this casserole to your tastes:
- Ground beef or turkey: Instead of chicken, you can use ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of beans and vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian casserole.
- Add rice: Layer in some cooked Mexican rice or Spanish rice for an even heartier casserole.
- Tortilla chips: If you don’t have tortillas, use crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping or layer.
- Extra spicy: For those who like heat, add sliced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Mexican Chicken Casserole:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in the chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken, black beans (if using), and corn until everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce mixture.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the chicken mixture on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, layer half of the torn tortilla pieces on the bottom. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the rest of the chicken mixture, and the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices.
How to Cook Mexican Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked chicken, black beans, and corn to the sauce mixture.
- Layer tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with cilantro and serve with optional toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes when making this casserole:
- Not draining the tomatoes: Be sure to use undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies so the casserole has enough liquid to stay moist, but avoid adding extra liquids as this could make the casserole runny.
- Overcooking the chicken: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time, but don’t overbake the casserole as the chicken can dry out.
- Skipping the cheese layering: Don’t skimp on the cheese layers—it helps hold the casserole together and adds a delicious cheesy texture to every bite.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Mexican Chicken Casserole:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh, colorful touch.
- Serve with toppings: Offer optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce for added flavor.
- Pair with Mexican sides: Serve the casserole with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette for a complete meal.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a filling dish on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:
- Main dish: Serve this casserole as the main course, along with a side of chips and salsa or a green salad for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
- Potluck favorite: Mexican Chicken Casserole is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and reheats well.
- For meal prep: This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping for the week.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Chicken Casserole
Make your casserole look extra appetizing with these simple presentation tips:
- Cast iron skillet: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey presentation.
- Garnish with toppings: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a few slices of avocado, and a drizzle of salsa to add color and texture.
- Serve in individual ramekins: For a dinner party, you can portion the casserole into individual ramekins and bake them for single servings.
Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
To make sure your casserole turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on meal prep.
- Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re feeding a large group, this recipe can easily be doubled and baked in two casserole dishes.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Mexican Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze Mexican Chicken Casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
A: You can use cream of mushroom soup or even make your own cream sauce by combining butter, flour, and milk for a homemade version.
Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes! Flour tortillas will work well in this casserole if you prefer them over corn tortillas.
Conclusion
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a simple, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of shredded chicken, salsa, tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s an irresistible meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight
or prepping for a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Try it today, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine in every cheesy, delicious bite!
PrintMexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Mexican Chicken Casserole is a cheesy, layered dish combining tender chicken, tortillas, and bold Mexican flavors like salsa, black beans, and green chilies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole is a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
- Corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- Salsa
- Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Canned diced green chilies
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Canned cream of chicken soup
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, salsa, black beans, diced green chilies, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Layer half of the corn tortillas on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot salsa for extra spice.
- Use a rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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