Name: Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded (divided: 1 cup and 1 cup); 10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1 cup salsa; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

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Introduction

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and cheesy pasta with bold Mexican flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of a white dish filled with a cheesy pasta bake featuring spiral-shaped pasta coated in melted golden-yellow cheese mixed with black beans and small white chunks of chicken. The pasta is topped with small diced red tomatoes and fresh green herbs scattered throughout. The upper background shows a few green sliced jalapeños resting on the pasta, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white polka dot cloth underneath. A metal spoon is scooping up a portion from the dish, highlighting the creamy, gooey cheese texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1 cup corn kernels
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream
10 oz pasta
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning until well combined.
Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of the cheese to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Fold in the cooked pasta until it is fully coated with the mixture. Pour the entire mixture into a large casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking the chicken.
Swap the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with a baked pasta casserole, showing twisted rotini noodles coated in a melted layer of orange and light yellow cheese. Scattered throughout are small black beans and bits of yellow corn, adding texture. On top, chopped red tomatoes and green cilantro leaves are sprinkled evenly, with slices of fresh green jalapeño peppers placed along one side near the edge. The pasta looks creamy and slightly crispy around the edges, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What pasta works best for this casserole?

Medium shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well because they hold the sauce and mix evenly with the other ingredients.