If you’re looking for a dish that combines heartwarming comfort with vibrant, bold flavors, this Classic Mexican Chicken Casserole is the answer. It’s the perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, and savory, layered with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, melted cheese, and hearty corn tortillas. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a make-ahead meal for a busy week, this casserole delivers a satisfying experience in every bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. With pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, and spices, you can whip up a meal that tastes like hours of effort went into it. The addition of cumin, ancho chile powder, and chipotle chile powder adds depth and a mild kick, while sour cream balances the spice with its creamy tang.
Perfectly layered and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a timeless classic that never fails to please. It brings together the flavors of Mexico with the comfort food appeal of a warm, bubbling casserole. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover chicken, making it an economical and waste-free option.
Let’s dive into this flavorful, easy-to-make casserole that will quickly become a household favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Base:
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- White onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
For the Sauce:
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: 1 (10.5-ounce) can
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 (10.5-ounce) can
- Diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (e.g., RO*TEL®): 1 (10-ounce) can
- Chicken broth: 1 cup
- Sour cream: 2 tablespoons
Spices:
- Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons
- Ancho chile powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon
- Chipotle chile powder: ¼ teaspoon
For the Layers:
- Cooked chicken: 1 (3-pound), shredded or cut into chunks
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: 1 (8-ounce) package
- Corn tortillas: 10 (6-inch), cut into quarters
Preparation and Cooking
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Servings:
Serves 6
Calories per Serving:
Approximately 520 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, chicken broth, and sour cream.
- Add the ground cumin, ancho chile powder, oregano, and chipotle chile powder. Mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer with corn tortilla quarters, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, shredded Cheddar cheese, and more sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
The Classic Mexican Chicken Casserole has all the hallmarks of a timeless dish: simplicity, versatility, and a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s a recipe that has likely been passed down through generations, cherished for its ease of preparation and adaptability to what’s available in the pantry.
The use of canned soups and broth ties into a nostalgic era of cooking when convenience was king, yet it remains a practical choice for modern cooks. The combination of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors makes it a comfort food staple, while the vibrant colors of the peppers and the earthy spices pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of Mexican cuisine.
This casserole is timeless because it brings people together. Whether it’s a weekday family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a comforting meal during challenging times, it’s a dish that always delivers warmth and satisfaction.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes! Cooked turkey, shredded beef, or even ground pork work well in this casserole.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Substitute the chicken with black beans or a mix of beans and roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.
Tips for Perfect Casserole
- Cut tortillas evenly: This ensures even layering and cooking.
- Taste the sauce: Adjust the seasoning to your preference before assembling.
- Shred cheese freshly: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that affect melting.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For a shortcut, grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store.
- Spice levels: Adjust the chile powders based on your heat preference.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Conclusion
The Classic Mexican Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. From its creamy, cheesy layers to the subtle heat of the spices, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility and practicality. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this dish is foolproof and endlessly customizable. The combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients ensures that you can create something special without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
As you take that first forkful, you’re greeted with the warmth of the tortillas, the heartiness of the chicken, and the burst of bold Mexican spices. It’s a dish that brings comfort on a cold evening, excitement to a family dinner, and nostalgia for meals shared with friends.
So, embrace this recipe as a go-to option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed a crowd, or treat yourself to something delicious, this casserole is sure to become a cherished part of your repertoire. It’s not just food—it’s a timeless tradition waiting to be shared and enjoyed.