Craving a delicious, Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor? The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is just what you need! Loaded with tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, zesty salsa, and plenty of spices, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a one-pan meal that brings bold flavors and comforting textures together for a dish everyone will love. Read on for the complete recipe, tips, and ideas for customizing this mouthwatering casserole!
What is Mexican Chicken Casserole?
The Pioneer Woman’s Mexican Chicken Casserole is a layered, hearty dish made with shredded chicken, cheese, tortillas, and a rich, creamy sauce that includes ingredients like salsa, green chiles, and sour cream. It’s like a deconstructed enchilada, with all the Tex-Mex flavors baked into a comforting casserole. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleaser or something simple to whip up for your family, this dish is a perfect choice. The best part? It's super versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes!
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients to make this flavorful dish. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts – 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (about 3 medium chicken breasts)
- Tortillas – 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- Sour cream – 1 cup sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup – 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- Green chiles – 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
- Salsa – 1 cup of your favorite salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your spice preference)
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or use a Mexican cheese blend)
- Monterey Jack cheese – 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Taco seasoning – 1 packet (or homemade taco seasoning if you prefer)
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges – For serving (optional)
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing if needed)
- Salt and pepper – To taste
Substitutions and Variations
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is super flexible, making it easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Chicken alternatives: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or replace the chicken with shredded turkey or ground beef for a variation.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a medley of sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.
- Tortilla options: Use corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican flavor or swap in flour tortillas for a softer texture. You can also use tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Cheese swaps: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are popular, feel free to use pepper jack for added spice or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Salsa variations: Try using salsa verde for a tangy twist or pico de gallo if you prefer a fresher flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you like your food extra spicy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this flavorful casserole? Let’s break down the process into easy steps so you can follow along and create this tasty dish in no time.
How to Cook Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook and shred the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. You can boil them for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced green chiles, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Layer the tortillas: Line the bottom of your prepared baking dish with a layer of the quartered tortillas. This creates a sturdy base for the casserole and ensures every bite has a bit of tortilla.
- Add the chicken: Spread half of the shredded chicken evenly over the tortillas. Season with a little salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour the sauce: Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover the entire layer.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the saucy chicken layer.
- Repeat the layers: Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining chicken, sauce, and cheese. Make sure the top is fully covered with cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure not to overcook your chicken breasts, as they can become dry. If you're using rotisserie chicken, skip the cooking step and simply shred it.
- Too much liquid: Be careful with the salsa and soup mixture—don’t add too much liquid or your casserole might turn out too watery. The right consistency is creamy, not soupy.
- Forgetting to cover the casserole: Covering the casserole for the first part of baking helps the ingredients cook evenly. Removing the foil toward the end allows the cheese to brown nicely.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Your Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is ready to be enjoyed, but a few presentation tips can elevate the meal and make it even more appealing!
How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Portion with care: Use a large spatula to cut and serve the casserole in squares or wedges. It’s hearty and filling, so smaller portions can go a long way.
- Serve with sides: Pair the casserole with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
- Top with extras: Offer toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Serve with lime wedges: Add lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the casserole adds a refreshing flavor.
- Add a crunchy topping: For an extra layer of texture, consider topping the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions before the final bake.
Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Make it healthier: Lighten up the recipe by using low-fat sour cream and cheese, whole wheat tortillas, and salsa without added sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and use it as a substitute for the cooked, shredded chicken breasts.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftover Mexican Chicken Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Feel free to mix in black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors and easy-to-make meals. With layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it's a delicious dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences! Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a Tex-Mex favorite on your hands that the whole family will love. Enjoy!
PrintPioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring layers of shredded chicken, cheese, tortillas, and a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole brings together bold Mexican flavors and is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With simple ingredients like salsa, sour cream, and cheese, this meal delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken
- Corn tortillas
- Cheddar cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Green chilies
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, salsa, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, diced onion, and garlic.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer corn tortillas, chicken mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro on top.
- You can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a softer texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850mg
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