Zesty Fiesta Chicken Bake

Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Delight

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is incredibly popular because it’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. This simple, one-dish recipe features tender chicken, rice, corn, and black beans, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s super easy to make. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you enjoy comforting casseroles like our Chicken Parmesan Casserole or Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole, you’ll absolutely love this Fiesta Chicken Casserole recipe! It’s a guaranteed family favorite.

👉 Complete your meal with our Mini Cheesecake Pies for the perfect sweet ending!

Fiesta chicken casserole on plate with melted cheese and fresh toppings
A delicious slice of Fiesta Chicken Casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh ingredients.

This easy Fiesta Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, hearty beans, sweet corn, and zesty Rotel tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a convenient dump-and-bake weeknight dinner, exploding with Tex-Mex flavors, comforting, satisfying, and approved by the entire family. This casserole is perfect for a quick and easy meal that everyone will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Watch our quick and easy video tutorial to guide you through each step of making this delicious Fiesta Chicken Casserole!

Julia Pacheco Cookbook Banner

Weekly Cooking Videos!

Check Out My Youtube Cooking Channel!

My Channel

Why you’ll love this recipe…

Close-up of Fiesta Chicken Casserole

This Fiesta Chicken Casserole is quick to prepare, incredibly filling, and uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s the perfect recipe to mix, bake, and enjoy – it always comes out delicious! It’s ideal for busy individuals and families looking for a hassle-free and tasty meal.

⏰ Ready In: 45 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Busy weeknights or make-ahead freezer meals
🛒 Key Ingredients: Chicken, instant rice, Rotel, black beans, cheddar cheese
🍽️ Servings: 4
👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy
🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Fridge and freezer friendly

👉 If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love our Red Chili Chicken Enchiladas. Another fantastic Tex-Mex inspired dinner!

Made With Love,

Ingredients for fiesta chicken casserole in casserole dish
All the fresh and flavorful ingredients ready to be mixed for our Fiesta Chicken Casserole.

What You’ll Need for Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients that make this casserole so amazing:

  • Shredded chicken – Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time and effort.
  • Instant rice – This helps the casserole set up perfectly and adds a delightful texture. Do not substitute with regular rice.
  • Rotel – Provides a spicy kick and adds a vibrant flavor with tomatoes and green chiles.
  • Cream of chicken soup – Creates a creamy, comforting texture that binds all the ingredients together.
  • Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and ties everything together with its cheesy goodness.

👉 For another cheesy chicken favorite, be sure to try our Chicken Cordon Bleu Pockets. They’re a great alternative!

Ingredients List

Here is the complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible Fiesta Chicken Casserole. Be sure to have everything ready before you start for a smooth and easy cooking experience:

  • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup uncooked instant rice
  • 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chiles)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 15 oz can corn, drained
  • 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado (optional)

🔒 The printable recipe card below contains the full ingredient list with exact amounts, perfect for saving or printing for later use. Keep it handy for your next cooking session!

How to Make Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Fiesta Chicken Casserole. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350℉ (175°C).

Mixing casserole ingredients in bowl
Mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Spreading casserole mixture in baking dish
Spreading the mixture evenly into a prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the casserole mixture into the dish and spread evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Fiesta chicken casserole baked with melted cheese and colorful toppings
The finished Fiesta Chicken Casserole, hot and bubbly from the oven.

Step 5: Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings. Serve and enjoy!

🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below – don’t forget to save it for later reference!

Fiesta Chicken Casserole Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some fantastic variations you can try to customize your Fiesta Chicken Casserole to your liking:

  • Substitute cooked ground turkey for a lighter and leaner version.
  • Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans to change the flavor profile.
  • Add diced jalapeños or green onions for an extra kick of spice.
  • Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a more complex and melty cheese topping.

👉 If you’re a fan of dump-and-go meals, you’ll definitely want to try our Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake. It’s another great option!

My Pro Tips

Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to help you make the best Fiesta Chicken Casserole every time:

  • Always use instant rice – regular rice will not cook properly in this recipe and will result in an undercooked casserole.
  • Make sure to drain your corn and black beans well to avoid adding excess moisture to the casserole.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a zesty touch.
  • Consider doubling the recipe and freezing one for a convenient meal later. It’s a great way to save time and have a delicious meal ready whenever you need it!

Recipe FAQs – Fiesta Chicken Casserole

Got questions about making Fiesta Chicken Casserole? Check out these frequently asked questions for helpful tips and insights:

Can I use cooked rice instead of instant?

You can use cooked rice, but the texture will be softer. Reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to prep ahead for busy weeknights.

Is it spicy?

The casserole has a mild spice level from the Rotel and taco seasoning. If you prefer a milder flavor, use mild versions of these ingredients.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

👉 Looking for another delicious dinner idea? Try our Hashbrown Hamburger Casserole for another easy and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Fiesta Chicken Casserole with these delicious serving suggestions:

  • Fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy and healthy addition
  • A side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal
  • Berry Cobbler for a delightful dessert

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Learn how to prepare, store, and reheat your Fiesta Chicken Casserole for maximum convenience:

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Cover the casserole with foil and bake until warm, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

👉 For another flavorful Tex-Mex dinner, check out our Red Chili Chicken Enchiladas. They are a surefire hit!

More Great Chicken Recipes

Chicken

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken

Red Chili Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pockets

Pasta

Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake

📌 If you try this Fiesta Chicken Casserole recipe, please leave a rating to help others discover the best recipes!

Fiesta chicken casserole baked with melted cheese and colorful toppings