Pioneer Woman Casseroles

Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

8 months ago
Read Time: 2 minutes
by Emily
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Are you looking for an introduction to a recipe for Mexican Chicken Casserole, also known as “Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole”? This hearty and flavorful casserole is a fan favorite, combining tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices in a creamy and delicious sauce, all topped with a crispy layer of melted cheese.

Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few simple steps, you can have this tasty dish on the table in no time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

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Why You Will Love This Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

There are many reasons why this Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a must-try recipe! Here are just a few:

It’s easy to make: All you need to do is mix together the ingredients and bake them in a casserole dish.
It’s packed with flavor: The combination of tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices creates a delicious and satisfying dish.
It’s versatile: You can customize this casserole to your liking by adding in your favorite vegetables or using a different type of cheese.

It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, you can easily turn it into this delicious casserole.
It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner: With just a few simple steps, you can have this tasty casserole on the table in no time.

Overall, this Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

What Is Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Mexican Chicken Casserole, also known as “Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole,” is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices in a creamy and delicious sauce, all topped with a crispy layer of melted cheese. It is typically baked in a casserole dish and is often served as a main course.

Mexican Chicken Casserole is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and it is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

What Is Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Ingredients?

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
1 can (4.5 ounces) diced green chilies

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15.25 ounces) corn, drained
1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

How To Make Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, green chilies, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk.
Spread half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour the sour cream mixture over the top of the chicken mixture.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sour cream mixture.
Top the cheese with the remaining chicken mixture and then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top of the cheese.

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips for making the best Mexican Chicken Casserole:

Use leftover cooked chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, you can easily use it in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and mix it into the casserole mixture.
Customize the vegetables: You can add in your favorite vegetables to this casserole. Try adding some diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.
Experiment with different types of cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, you can also try using other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, or pepper jack.

Make it spicier: If you like your food with a little more kick, you can add some extra chili powder or diced jalapeno peppers to the casserole mixture.
Freeze leftovers: This casserole can be made in advance and frozen for later. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and then bake it as directed.

I hope these tips help you make the best Mexican Chicken Casserole!

What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Here are a few ideas for sides to serve with Pioneer Woman’s Mexican Chicken Casserole:

Salad: You could serve a simple green salad with a citrus dressing to balance out the rich flavors of the casserole.

Rice: A side of white or brown rice would be a great accompaniment to the casserole. You could also try serving it with Mexican-style rice, like a poblano rice or a lime-cilantro rice.

Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans would all be tasty options to serve alongside the casserole.

Corn: Grilled corn on the cob, creamed corn, or cornbread would all be delicious options to round out the meal.

Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or squash, would be a great way to add some colorful and nutritious elements to the meal.

How To Store Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole?

To store Pioneer Woman’s Mexican Chicken Casserole, follow these steps:

Cool the casserole completely before storing it. If you try to store a hot casserole, the heat will cause condensation to form in the container, which can lead to soggy leftovers.
Cover the casserole with a lid or plastic wrap. Make sure the casserole is completely sealed to prevent any air from getting in.

Place the casserole in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store the casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How To Thaw Mexican Chicken Casserole?

To thaw Mexican Chicken Casserole, there are a few options you can try:

Thaw in the refrigerator: If you have time, the safest and most effective way to thaw the casserole is to place it in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. This will take several hours, or even a full day, depending on the size of the casserole.

Thaw in cold water: If you need to thaw the casserole more quickly, you can try placing it in a sealed bag and immersing it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold and continue this process until the casserole is thawed.
Thaw in the microwave: Another option is to thaw the casserole in the microwave using the “defrost” setting. Be sure to use a microwave-safe container and check the casserole frequently to ensure that it does not start to cook.

How To Reheat Mexican Chicken Casserole?

To reheat Mexican Chicken Casserole in the oven, follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.

Heat the casserole for 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through. If the casserole was frozen, you may need to heat it for a longer period of time.

Remove the foil from the casserole and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden.

To reheat the casserole in the microwave, follow these steps:

Place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

Heat the casserole on high power for 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through. If the casserole was frozen, you may need to heat it for a longer period of time.
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving to allow it to finish heating.

FAQ Section

Can I make Mexican Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to bake it.

Can I use a different type of cheese in Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese in the casserole if you prefer. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or cheddar would all be good options.

Can I add vegetables to Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables to the casserole if you like. Some options might include diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, or corn.

Can I use cooked chicken breasts instead of canned chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked, diced chicken breasts in place of canned chicken in the casserole.

Can I use a different type of canned soup in Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can use a different type of canned soup in the casserole if you prefer. Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup would both be good options.

Can I use fresh tortillas instead of chips in Mexican Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can use fresh tortillas instead of chips in the casserole. Simply cut the tortillas into thin strips and use them as you would the chips.

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