Description
A flavorful and hearty Mexican Chicken Casserole featuring layers of crushed tortilla chips, black beans, shredded chicken, and a creamy blend of cheeses and Rotel tomatoes, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
Sauce and Cheese
- 21 oz. cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each, DO NOT add any water or milk)
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups shredded jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped
- Jalapeños, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the crushed tortilla chips, black beans, chopped cooked chicken, and ground cumin. Mix these ingredients to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the undrained Rotel tomatoes, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce with a hint of tomato and spice.
- Combine ingredients: Add the sauce mixture to the bowl with the chip and chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the flavorful sauce.
- Layer the casserole: Transfer half of the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded jack and cheddar cheeses on top. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheeses, creating two layers of cheesy goodness.
- Top with chips: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top as a crunchy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Add fresh toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then top with diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños if using for freshness and a mild spicy kick.
- Serve: Spoon out the casserole while warm as a satisfying main dish for lunch or dinner.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans if preferred.
- Use Dorito Nacho Cheese chips for extra cheesy flavor or regular tortilla chips for a classic taste.
- Jalapeños are optional; add according to your spice preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Mexican chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, tortilla chip casserole, cheesy Mexican casserole, easy chicken dinner