Description
This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a vibrant and satisfying dish combining tender shredded chicken, hearty rotini pasta, black beans, corn, and a flavorful blend of sour cream, salsa, and taco spices. Baked to perfection with a cheesy topping, this casserole serves as an easy and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 ½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet mild taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Other Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as Colby Jack), divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Heat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (adding about 1 teaspoon of salt). Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but do not rinse to maintain starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, salsa, mild taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well incorporated to create a flavorful base sauce.
- Add Pasta and Mix-ins: Add the drained pasta to the sauce mixture and stir well to coat. Fold in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, shredded or cubed cooked chicken, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown and melt the cheese topping.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with optional toppings such as extra sour cream, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices for added freshness and flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for enhanced flavor.
- For a spicier kick, use medium or hot taco seasoning instead of mild.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips.
- Adding chopped jalapeños or a squeeze of lime can brighten up the flavors.
