Description
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavorful layered dish featuring tender chicken, black beans, crunchy tortilla chips, and a creamy, cheesy topping baked to golden perfection. It's an easy and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips, divided)
- 15 oz. black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 21 oz. cream of chicken soup (2 (10.5 oz) cans, DO NOT add any water or milk)
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups shredded jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato (diced)
- 1 bunch cilantro (rinsed and chopped)
- Jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13x9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
- Create Base Layer: Lightly crush the tortilla chips and sprinkle about 1 cup of them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crunchy base of the casserole.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Layer the chopped cooked chicken uniformly over the crushed chips, followed by a layer of drained and rinsed black beans, spreading them evenly.
- Prepare and Add Soup Mixture: Stir 1 teaspoon of ground cumin into the cream of chicken soup without adding any water or milk. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken and beans using a spatula, then top it with the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes.
- Cheese and Chip Topping: Sprinkle the shredded jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the tomato layer. Then top with the remaining 2 cups of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese has fully melted and is golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with the chopped cilantro and diced tomato. Serve immediately, optionally with fresh jalapeño slices for added heat.
Notes
- Using Dorito Nacho Cheese chips instead of plain tortilla chips adds extra flavor.
- Do not add water or milk to the cream of chicken soup to maintain the casserole's thickness.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for pre-cooked chicken.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
