This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, beans, corn, and a zesty blend of spices topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Packed with vibrant ingredients and bold flavors, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is everything you love about Tex-Mex flavors in one easy-to-make dish. With tender chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, corn, and a gooey cheesy topping, it’s a comforting yet vibrant meal. The combination of spices and the addition of salsa make each bite flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze! This casserole is also versatile, so you can adapt it to your tastes or use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients

this Recipe

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Ro*Tel)
• 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for added creaminess)
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the rice: In a large skillet or casserole dish, cook the rice according to the package instructions. If using a skillet, you can add the rice directly to the dish along with the other ingredients later.
2. Combine the ingredients: Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet or casserole dish. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Add the cheese: Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to evenly distribute it over the casserole.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with a dollop of sour cream (if using) and garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Use Ground Beef or Turkey: Instead of chicken, you can use cooked ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
• Spicy Kick: For more heat, add some diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
• Use Different Cheese: You can mix up the cheese by using Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend for a twist on the traditional cheddar.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free, or use a homemade version to keep the casserole gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once it’s fully cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the casserole in the oven until it’s warmed through. If it’s too dry, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly and make sure the rice is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

3. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, but leave out the cheese until the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and top with cheese before serving.

4. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to cook it thoroughly first. You can cook the chicken in a slow cooker or pressure cooker and then shred it before adding it to the casserole.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding extra beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, along with some extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

6. Can I use a different type of beans?

Definitely! You can swap out the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans, depending on your taste preference.

7. Can I make this casserole spicy?

Yes! You can spice up this casserole by using spicy salsa, adding jalapeños, or stirring in some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mixture.

8. Can I make this casserole in a baking dish instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can use a baking dish to make this casserole. Just be sure to use a 9×13-inch dish, and follow the same cooking instructions.

9. Can I skip the sour cream topping?

Absolutely! The sour cream is optional, but it adds a nice creamy and cooling contrast to the spiciness of the casserole. You can skip it or replace it with a dollop of guacamole or plain Greek yogurt.

10. How do I make this casserole lower in calories?

To make this casserole lower in calories, use reduced-fat cheese, sour cream, and a lower-calorie ranch dressing. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used on top.

Conclusion

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a tasty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need to feed a crowd. Packed with flavorful ingredients like chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit your taste, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Try it today for a satisfying and delicious dinner everyone will love!

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