Name: Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips, divided); 15 oz. black beans (drained and rinsed); 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 21 oz. cream of chicken soup (2 (10.5 oz) cans, DO NOT add any water or milk); 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained); 2 cups shredded jack cheese; 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese; 1 tomato (diced); 1 bunch cilantro (rinsed and chopped); Jalapeños (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together crunchy tortilla chips, tender chicken, and melted cheese in every bite. It’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering with friends. Simple to prepare and packed with zest, this casserole will quickly become a favorite.

A close-up of a glass baking dish filled with a baked layered casserole. The top layer is golden melted cheese with scattered pieces of crispy tortilla chips and chopped green herbs. Below the cheese are creamy layers mixed with black beans, small chunks of red tomatoes, and pieces of chicken. The casserole is thick and creamy with visible layers of cheese, beans, chicken, and tomatoes. A silver spoon is lifting a generous scoop out, showing the rich mix of ingredients. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Dorito Nacho Cheese chips, divided)
15 oz. black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
21 oz. cream of chicken soup (2 (10.5 oz) cans, DO NOT add any water or milk)
10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
2 cups shredded jack cheese
2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
1 tomato (diced)
1 bunch cilantro (rinsed and chopped)
Jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Lightly crush the tortilla chips and sprinkle about 1 cup evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
Step 3: Layer the chopped cooked chicken and rinsed black beans over the crushed chips.
Step 4: Stir the ground cumin into the cream of chicken soup without adding any water or milk. Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken and beans. Then, spoon the undrained Rotel tomatoes on top of the soup layer.
Step 5: Sprinkle both the shredded jack cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the tomato layer. Finish by topping with the remaining 2 cups of crushed tortilla chips.
Step 6: Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted fully.
Step 7: Garnish with the chopped cilantro and diced tomato.
Step 8: Serve immediately, optionally adding fresh jalapeño slices for extra heat.

Tips & Variations

Use Dorito Nacho Cheese chips for a cheesier, tangier flavor variation.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra black beans or cooked vegetables like corn and bell peppers.
Add a layer of sliced olives or avocado on top for additional texture and taste.
If you prefer a milder casserole, leave out the jalapeños or use diced green bell peppers instead.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to preserve crispness.

How to Serve

A glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole showing broken light yellow tortilla chips on top, melted yellow and white cheese, diced red tomatoes, and green cilantro leaves as garnish. Inside the dish, layers of black beans, creamy sauce, and shredded chicken are visible where a portion has been scooped out with a silver spoon. Next to the dish is a white plate with a serving of the casserole topped with tortilla chips and a slice of green jalapeño pepper. The background is a white marbled texture surface with green jalapeños and fresh cilantro scattered around, accompanied by a black and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor, or make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth to keep it homemade and fresh.