Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Fiesta Chicken Casserole: A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite

Embark on a culinary journey with the vibrant and savory Fiesta Chicken Casserole. This Tex-Mex-inspired dish is a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and the joy of gathering around the table. From succulent chicken to zesty spices and layers of melted cheese, each bite is a fiesta for your taste buds. Join us in the kitchen as we dive into the art of crafting this crowd-pleasing Fiesta Chicken Casserole that transforms ordinary dinners into festive occasions.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (a mix of colors adds vibrancy)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Seasoning Blend:

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rice

  1. Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the rice according to package instructions.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend

  1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cooked rice.
  3. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

  1. Add the sauce to the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.
  2. In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the chicken and vegetable mix.
  3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer.
  4. Repeat with the remaining chicken and vegetable mix and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the Fiesta Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve warm.

Cook Notes

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce.

Variations

Spicy Fiesta Fusion

  • Mix in diced jalapeños or green chilies for an extra kick of heat.

Avocado Elegance Addition

  • Top the casserole with slices of ripe avocado before serving.

Quinoa Twist

  • Substitute rice with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.

Keto Version

For those on a keto journey, savor the flavors with these modifications:

For the Rice:

  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

For the Black Beans and Corn:

  • Opt for black soybeans and reduce the amount of corn to lower the carb count.

For the Sauce:

  • Use a keto-friendly mayonnaise substitute.
  • Choose a low-carb hot sauce.

For the Seasoning Blend:

  • Omit onion powder and use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of sugar.

For the Garnish:

  • Top with keto-friendly cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without sacrificing taste:

For the Rice:

  • Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or broccoli rice.

For the Black Beans and Corn:

  • Reduce the amount of black beans and corn, or opt for lower-carb alternatives.

For the Sauce:

  • Choose a low-carb mayonnaise substitute.
  • Use a low-carb hot sauce.

For the Seasoning Blend:

  • Omit onion powder and use a low-carb sweetener in place of sugar.

For the Garnish:

  • Top with a mix of low-carb cheeses like mozzarella and provolone.

In conclusion, the Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a testament to the joy of creating a dish that not only delights the palate but also brings people together. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into keto or low-carb adaptations, or explore unique variations, the result is a casserole that embodies the festive spirit of a fiesta. Share this flavorful creation with friends and family, serve it at gatherings, or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal. Let the vibrant colors and bold flavors of this Tex-Mex delight make every meal a celebration. ¡Viva la fiesta!