This Southwest Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s packed with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of zesty spices, all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. The addition of diced tomatoes and green chilies gives it a slight kick, while the layer of melted cheese on top adds a rich and gooey finish. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined.
- Layer half of the corn tortilla strips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips and chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This casserole can be paired with a simple green salad or some Spanish rice for a complete meal. It’s also easy to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
