Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. It’s loaded with tender chicken, rotini pasta, black beans, corn, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice. It’s easy to make, ready in just 40 minutes, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The combination of salsa, taco seasoning, and other spices creates a delicious and zesty flavor.
• Hearty and satisfying: This casserole is packed with protein and fiber, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and comes together quickly.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Fiesta Chicken Casserole

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rotini Pasta: Cooked al dente for a perfect texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy and tangy base to the sauce.
• Salsa: Use your favorite variety for a fresh and zesty flavor.
• Mild Taco Seasoning: Adds a blend of spices for that classic taco flavor.
• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the savory flavors.
• Corn and Black Beans: Add texture, flavor, and a boost of nutrition.
• Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook your own chicken breasts.
• Shredded Cheese: Use your favorite variety, such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or cheddar.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish and spray it with cooking spray. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to salt the pasta water. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, combine the sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add the drained pasta, corn, black beans, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the sour cream mixture. Stir together until well combined.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes,¹ or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.²

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado slices. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cheese: Use your favorite variety of cheese for the topping.
• Salsa: Use a fresh salsa from the produce section for the best flavor.
• Spice level: To make the casserole spicier, add cayenne pepper or chili powder, use hot taco seasoning, or garnish with jalapeños.

How to Serve Fiesta Chicken Casserole

• Weeknight dinner: This casserole is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Potluck or gathering: It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, ziti, or even macaroni.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

My casserole is a bit watery, what did I do wrong?
If your casserole is watery, it could be that you didn’t drain the pasta well enough or that the vegetables released some moisture during baking. You can try draining the pasta more thoroughly or patting the vegetables dry before adding them to the casserole.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Fiesta Chicken Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!

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