Let’s talk comfort food. What’s a Southwestern twist on lasagna? What is my family’s favorite movie?Southwest Chicken Casserole: What. This isn’t your average weeknight dinner; it’s a great dinner Is it a flavor explosion that is surprisingly easy to throw together? I swear, the first time I made this, my husband declared it better than take-out. What’s that high praise coming from him? Is it creamy, cheesy and packed with the perfect amount of spice? Is it a hit with the kids? What is your favorite casserole dish? What is the best dish to make when you need a crowd pleaser?

What is Southwest Chicken Casserole?

What is this amazing thing?Southwest Chicken Casserole: what anyway? Think of it as a layered masterpiece of shredded chicken, corn, black beans, green chiles, and loads of cheese, all nestled between tortillas and smothered in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce. It’s essentially a Southwestern-inspired enchilada casserole, but without all the rolling! The name comes from the blend of Southwestern ingredients that give it that signature zesty flavor. I always use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for that perfect gooeyness, but you can definitely customize it to your liking. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just need a big hug in food form.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to fall in love with someone?Southwest Chicken Casserole: What.

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of the tender chicken, sweet corn, earthy black beans, and the subtle heat from the green chiles is just incredible. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue! I’ve tweaked the spices over the years, and I finally landed on the perfect blend that my family raves about.

• Seriously Simple: Don’t let the layers fool you – this casserole is surprisingly easy to make. It’s one of those dump-and-bake recipes that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I can usually get it prepped and in the oven in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when I’m juggling work and kids.

• Budget-Friendly Goodness: The ingredients are all pretty affordable, especially if you stock up on canned goods when they’re on sale. Chicken is often on sale, too. I’ve even made it with leftover rotisserie chicken to save even more time and money!

• Super Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole to suit your tastes. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of green chiles. Need to feed a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. You can also swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey if you prefer.

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s always a hit. Whether I’m serving it to my family, bringing it to a potluck, or making it for friends, everyone always raves about it. Plus, it’s just so satisfying to make something that brings so much joy to others. It’s right up there with my other comfort food favorites, like my Creamy Tomato soup and grilled cheese, but with a little extra kick!

How do I make Southwest Chicken Casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this Southwest Chicken Casserole. Recipe is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll basically layer tortillas, a Creamy Chicken mixture, and lots of cheese in a baking dish, then bake it until bubbly and golden brown. The best part? It’s a forgiving recipe, so don’t stress about being perfect. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process! This method is particularly great because it doesn’t require any pre-cooking of the tortillas, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients

For the Southwest Chicken Mixture:
* 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
* 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat or light works!)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (I usually use mild or medium).

For the Casserole:
* 6-8 flour tortillas (I prefer the burrito size)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

What are the steps for

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always give it a good coating with cooking spray to prevent sticking. I know you will thank me later when it comes time to clean up!

Step 2: Mix Southwest Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, green chiles, diced tomatoes, and salt. Stir to combine. Green chilies, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined. I like to use a rubber spatula to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Where the magic happens, folks?

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of chicken mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do I keep tortillas from sticking? Next, lay 2-3 tortillas over the chicken mixture, overlapping them as needed to cover the bottom of the pan. I usually tear a tortilla or two to fill in any gaps.

Step 4: Layer & Repeat

Spread half of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with one cup of cheddar cheese and half cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, remaining cheddar cheese, and remaining Monterey Jack cheese. I love a good cheese pull, so I always make sure to use plenty!

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The cheese should be golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set up a bit and prevents it from being too runny. I like to garnish with sour cream, some chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of extra virgin olive oil. If you like, you can serve it with any of the above. What is hot sauce?

What should I serve it with?

This Southwest Chicken Casserole: What is a star all on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments!

• For a Casual Dinner: Serve it with a side of Spanish rice and a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole is always a welcome addition. My family loves to load up their plates with all the fixings!

• For a Potluck: Bring a big bowl of tortilla chips and salsa for dipping. A pitcher of margaritas or iced tea would also be a great choice. I’ve brought this to so many potlucks, and it’s always the first dish to disappear.

• For a Fiesta: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and your favorite hot sauces. A side of black beans and corn salsa would also be delicious. Olé!

  How do I make Southwest Chicken Casserole?

  Okay, I’ve made this. Is itSouthwest Chicken Casserole: What *a lot* over the years, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure you’re using a large enough baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal) so that the casserole layers are not too thick. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly.

• Use Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this casserole, so don’t skimp on quality. I prefer to use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Spices: If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of taco seasoning. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: This allows the cheese to set up a bit and prevents the casserole from being too runny. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together even more.

• Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Some of my favorites include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, green onions, and hot sauce.

• Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the chicken mixture.

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the tortillas tough. Keep an eye on the casserole and remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

  What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

  If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave.

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to crisp up the cheese.
  • Microwave: Place a slice of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

What are some frequently asked questions?

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s all-time favorite Southwest Chicken Casserole recipe! It’s easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. What more could you ask for? I truly believe this will become a new staple in your home, just like it has in mine. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes – I’ve got something for everyone! Now, I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy baking!