Mexican Chicken Casserole

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Mexican Chicken Casserole

hearty, cheesy, and satisfying casserole bursting with bold Mexican flavors! This Mexican Chicken Casserole is made with juicy chicken, black beans, corn, creamy bechamel sauce, and layers of crushed tortilla chips, all topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes. It’s a perfect crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of comfort.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast, chopped (use rotisserie or oven-baked for convenience)
  • 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups bechamel sauce (recipe below) or use a cream of chicken soup substitute
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Layer 1: Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips over the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the bechamel sauce (or cream of chicken substitute). Whisk in mozzarella cheese until melted.
  4. Pour 1/3 of the sauce over the crushed chips. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add a layer of:
    • ½ of the Mexican blend cheese
    • ⅓ of the chopped chicken
    • ⅓ of the black beans
    • ⅓ of the corn
    • A handful of crushed tortilla chips
  6. Repeat the layers: sauce → cheese → chicken → beans → corn → chips. Do this two more times or until all ingredients are used.
  7. Top with remaining Mexican blend cheese and diced tomatoes.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and chopped jalapeño, if desired.

Homemade Bechamel Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups warm milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • (Optional) A pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly (do not let it brown).
  3. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 682
  • Protein: 41g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fat: 31g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1153mg
  • Calcium: 402mg
  • Iron: 4mg
  • Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

 

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