If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the warmth of Mexican spices with the comfort of a classic casserole, the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a must-try. This recipe is easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Whether you’re a fan of Tex-Mex or just love a cheesy, savory meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Ready to dive into a crowd-pleasing meal? Let’s get cooking!
What is Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole?
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a layered, baked dish that brings together shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, spices, tortillas, and lots of cheese. It’s a fantastic blend of Mexican-inspired ingredients, and its versatility allows you to modify the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you need a weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
To make the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 (10 oz) can of enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 (10 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4 oz) can of diced green chilies
- 10 small corn tortillas (cut into strips or quarters)
- 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful Mexican casserole with just the right amount of spice.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is its flexibility. You can easily modify the recipe to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken Substitution: If you prefer not to use chicken, you can swap it for ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. Pepper Jack adds extra heat, while Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese will provide a creamier texture.
- Enchilada Sauce Choices: Use either red or green enchilada sauce depending on your flavor preference. Green sauce tends to be milder, while red sauce has a bit more kick.
- Tortilla Substitutes: If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, tortilla chips, or even layer the casserole with cooked rice or quinoa for a twist.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup or replace it with Greek yogurt.
- Additional Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole.
These substitutions allow you to personalize the dish while keeping it just as delicious.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious, cheesy dish that your whole family will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, begin layering the casserole. Start by spreading a layer of the chicken mixture at the bottom. Then, top with a layer of tortilla strips or quarters. Add a handful of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Let it Rest and Garnish
Once the casserole is baked, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.
How to Cook Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Ensure your oven is at 350°F, and grease your baking dish to avoid sticking.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
Sauté the diced onions and garlic until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
3. Mix the Filling
Incorporate the shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and taco seasoning for a rich filling.
4. Layer Ingredients
Alternate between layers of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese for the ultimate texture and flavor combination.
5. Bake
Cover with foil, bake, then uncover to achieve a bubbly, golden-brown finish.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh cilantro and optional jalapeños, and let the dish rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Baking the casserole too long can result in dry chicken and burnt cheese. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest after baking allows it to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Using Too Much Tortilla: While tortillas are essential, overloading the casserole with them can make the dish overly starchy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole stand out, here are some serving and presentation ideas:
- Garnish Generously: Add a pop of color with freshly chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad to round out the meal.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake the casserole in a cast-iron skillet and serve it straight from the pan.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole can be served as a main course, paired with your favorite sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with:
- Tortilla chips and salsa for a crunchy contrast.
- Mexican-style street corn (elote) to complement the rich, cheesy flavors.
- Guacamole and sour cream to cool down the heat.
Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
Here are some creative ways to present this dish:
- Single-Serve Portions: Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
- Layered Look: When cutting into the casserole, ensure you show the distinct layers of tortillas, chicken, and cheese to wow your guests.
Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful, moist, and perfect for this recipe.
- Cheese Tip: Grating your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties results in a smoother, creamier texture as it melts better.
- Make It Spicy: If you like it hot, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Absolutely! After assembling the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
3. How Can I Make It Healthier?
To lighten up the dish, you can use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole wheat tortillas. You can also load it up with extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, cheesy layers and customizable ingredients, it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or put your own spin on it, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite. Try it out tonight and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal!
PrintPioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe is a savory, cheesy delight, perfect for a family meal. Packed with ingredients like shredded chicken, salsa, and cheese, it's an easy-to-make, one-dish dinner. This recipe offers a zesty blend of Mexican flavors, with the perfect balance of heat and richness. Ideal for busy weeknights, it's sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Salsa
- Corn tortillas
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Green chilies
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Olive oil
- Cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish with olive oil.
- In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add green chilies, cumin, and chili powder; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in salsa, black beans, corn, and cooked chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In the casserole dish, layer tortillas, the chicken mixture, and shredded cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side.
- Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot salsa and adding jalapeños if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. ⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
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