Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting Mexican inspired flavors. Tender chicken, rice, beans, corn, and spices bake together into a hearty family meal that is easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights, and great for leftovers.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast – 3 cups, shredded
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
- Black beans – 1 can, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels – 1 cup
- Cream of chicken soup – 1 can
- Sour cream – 1 cup
- Salsa – 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the filling mixture for the Mexican chicken casserole.
Cook Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook one more minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
Prepare Creamy Base
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This forms the flavorful sauce base.
Combine Filling
- Add chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and cooked onion mixture into the creamy sauce. Stir gently until everything is well coated and evenly combined for rich flavor.
Assemble Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and press slightly so it settles well. This helps the casserole bake evenly and hold together.
Add Cheese and Bake
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Let it rest slightly before serving for best texture.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the casserole before serving. Serve warm and enjoy a creamy, cheesy, comforting Mexican inspired chicken casserole with family or guests.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep
- Adjust spice level with more or less chili powder
- Add jalapenos for heat
- Let casserole rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing