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Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 527 reviews

Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and flavorful baked pasta dish combining tender rotini, seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty blend of sour cream and salsa. Topped with melted cheese and warm spices, it offers a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
  • 2½ cups cooked chicken

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 packet mild taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 teaspoon salt). Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse.
  3. Mix Seasonings and Sauces: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, salsa, mild taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Combine Pasta and Ingredients: Add the drained pasta to the sour cream mixture and fold gently to coat. Then, add the drained corn, rinsed black beans, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir all ingredients together to blend evenly.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with tin foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  6. Bake Uncovered and Garnish: Remove the tin foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese. Once out of the oven, garnish optionally with dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.

Notes

  • Be sure not to rinse the pasta after draining to help the sauce adhere better.
  • Use cooked shredded chicken from leftovers or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Adjust the level of salsa and taco seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables.
  • Using a Mexican cheese blend adds authentic flavor, but cheddar is a good substitute.

Keywords: Fiesta Chicken Casserole, baked pasta casserole, Mexican chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, cheesy chicken bake

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/fiesta-chicken-casserole-recipe/