Description

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and hearty Tex-Mex inspired bake loaded with tender chicken, rice, beans, corn, cheese, and zesty spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole offers bold flavors and creamy cheesy layers everyone will love.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup cooked rice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, sour cream, diced onion, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings: Remove from oven and sprinkle optional toppings such as black olives, cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños.
Serve: Serve warm, with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.

Notes

For a spicier version, add chopped green chilies or more jalapeños.Make vegetarian by omitting chicken and increasing beans or adding diced zucchini.Swap cheeses for pepper jack or queso fresco to vary flavor.Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.Add crushed tortilla chips or drizzle hot sauce on top for extratexture and flavor.