Mexican Chicken Casserole: Quick, Flavorful, and Easy!

This easy Mexican Chicken Bake recipe is a one-pan meal that is quick to prepare and packed with flavor! Creamy chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and more combine into a casserole the entire family will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this chicken Mexican bake is a dish you don’t want to pass up!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

If you love easy to make, comfort food meals, also be sure to check out my Chicken Taco Casserole and Cheesy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS MEXICAN CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE

• One-pan meal– not only are one pan meals easy to make, but clean up is a breeze since you won’t have pans and dishes laying around everywhere.
• Quick and easy– packed with simple ingredients, this bake is full of delicious flavor and can be prepared ahead of time.
• Customizable– change up the ingredients to fit your tastes. Whether that be omitting some of the ingredients, or making it your own, there are so many ways to make this your own!
• Picky eater approved– from young kids to older adults, this chicken casserole is loved by all.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

MEXICAN CASSEROLE INGREDIENT NOTES

• Stuffing– you will need one box of chicken flavored stuffing mix, other flavors work, chicken is my favorite in this recipe though. You won’t prepare the stuffing as directed, you are only using the mix.
• Chicken– cooked and shredded chicken breasts are needed, you can also save time by using rotisserie chicken.
• Corn– one can drained is easiest, if you can find Mexicorn, it adds even more flavor to this bake.
• Black Beans– rinsed and drained, any brand works.
• Rotel– any spice level works, use mild if kids are enjoying the casserole too.
• Cheese– we use shredded Mexican cheese, however, pepper jack or any other type works too, use whatever you have on hand.
• Milk– I use 2%, however, any type works.
• Tortilla Chips– you’ll want to crush these to sprinkle on top of the casserole.

Exact Ingredients

• 1 box stuffing mix, chicken flavored
• 2 cups chicken, cooked/shredded
• 14 oz corn, drained
• 15.25 oz black beans, drained/rinsed
• 10 oz Rotel
• 2 cups Mexican cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

HOW TO MAKE MEXICAN CHICKEN BAKE

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/2 cup cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
3. Spread mixture evenly into prepared casserole dish.
4. Sprinkle remaining cheese and chips on top of pan.
5. Cover pan with aluminum foil and place into oven.
6. Cook for 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes without foil.
7. Remove from oven and serve with favorite toppings.

MEXICAN CHICKEN BAKE TOPPING IDEAS

If you’re looking for ways to make this your own, try some of these great options before serving:

• Sour Cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Chopped Jalapenos, green chiles, bell peppers, onions, or black olives
• Tomatoes
• Avocado slices
• Green Onions
• Fresh cilantro

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• To make this casserole gluten free, omit the crushed tortilla chips and check the labels of the other ingredients.
• To make this recipe spicy, add spicy Rotel, jalapenos, salsa, and a splash of hot sauce.
• If you don’t like tortilla chips, you can also use Frito corn chips.
• Don’t over cook this bake. Everything is already cooked going into it, so you are only heating it through and melting the cheese.
• Have fun with the toppings and garnishes as that is the best part of making it your own.

STORING MEXICAN CASSEROLE

• If you have leftovers, allow to fully cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
• To freeze this casserole, you can do so after assembling it, but before cooking it. This helps to keep the tortilla chips from going soggy. You can also double the recipe to cook one and freeze one. Or, you could make the standard recipe amount, but put it into two smaller dishes, one to be frozen for later.
• If freezing leftovers, store in a freezer container up to 3 months. Allow to thaw and reheat, you may want to add additional crushed chips for the crunch.
• To reheat, place servings in microwave heating in 30 second increments until heated through.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

MORE TEX MEX RECIPES TO TRY

Instant Pot Beef Enchilada Casserole– comes together in no time and is packed with flavor! Layers of beef, sauce, cheese, and corn tortillas combine into a Tex-Mex dish the whole family will love!

King Ranch Chicken Casserole– an old-fashioned, easy dinner recipe packed with flavor! Layers of tortillas, creamy chicken, cheese, and more…this recipe is comfort food at its finest! King Ranch Casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook making this a great family-friendly weeknight dinner recipe!

Frito Taco Pie– a classic casserole-style dish that combines taco meat, cheese, and sour cream nestled between layers of fluffy crescent rolls and topped with crunchy corn Frito’s.

Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta– a one-skillet meal the entire family will enjoy! With a slight kick from the Salsa Verde, this cheesy pasta is a quick and easy recipe perfect any night of the week!

Mexican Stuffed Shells– combine classic stuffed shells with a Mexican flair! This stuffed shells recipe is packed with flavor and quick to prepare! Taco seasoned ground beef combined with cream cheese and stuffed into jumbo pasta shells!

Taco Cornbread Casserole– made using taco seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and cheese, all under a layer of Jiffy cornbread! Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this simple casserole is comfort food at its finest!