Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole: A Quick & Delicious Pantry Staple Dinner

Need a last-minute dinner idea? Whether you’re snowed in or just trying to avoid a trip to the grocery store, this Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution. Made entirely from simple pantry staples, this recipe is incredibly forgiving if you’re missing an ingredient or two. I’ll share my favorite easy substitutions so you can still serve a hearty, high-protein, all-in-one meal tonight. Let’s dive into the details!

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Pantry Staple Ingredients – Mexican Chicken Casserole

I first made this recipe when we couldn’t get to the grocery store, but still wanted a delicious, high-protein, hearty meal. I had to substitute some ingredients I didn’t have on hand, and it still turned out delicious. It quickly became one of our favorite recipes. Here are suggested ingredients; later, I’ll share some substitution options if needed.

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can Rotel
• 1 can cream of Chicken soup
• 1 can sweet corn
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 – Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 – Tbsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
• Optional – sliced Jalapeno Peppers

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

First, I’ve found that with so many great ingredients, you can still have a delicious meal even if you’re missing a few items. However, I have also found that many ingredients are easy to substitute.

• Cooked Chicken Breast – You can use canned chicken breast or rotisserie chicken if you don’t have fresh or frozen chicken breast.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Any “cream of soup” can be substituted. If you don’t have any soup, you can make an alternative with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Mix well, and you’ll never know the difference.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
• Sour Cream – Plain Greek Yogurt tastes the same in this recipe. If you are looking for a lower-calorie version, this is one way to cut them.
• Tortilla Chips – Any cracker can be crushed on top of this casserole.
• Rotel – If you don’t have Rotel, use any diced tomatoes, or use fresh, chopped tomatoes with added seasoning.
• Shredded Cheese – if you don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for, use any type of cheese you have on hand. My first recipe included cheddar cheese, a little mozzarella, and Parmesan because that’s all I had. I also don’t worry if I don’t have as much as the recipe calls for. That’s a lot of cheese.
• Corn – you can use frozen or canned corn. If you don’t have either, chopped waterchestnuts are a good crunchy substitute.
• Black Beans – Pinto or kidney beans can be substituted.

If you wish to further reduce calories, sodium, etc., you can cook dried black beans, use frozen corn, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium canned goods. You will still find this a tasty recipe that the whole family will love.

How To Prepare The Mexican Chicken Casserole

This recipe is easy to put together quickly once the chicken is cooked. I boil the chicken breast until done and then chop it into cubes.

• Preheat Oven 375 degrees
• Mix all ingredients except chips and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
• Grease a baking dish (if making the full recipe, use a 9×13 or larger dish)
• Pour 1/2 of the chicken/bean mixture in dish.
• Top with 1/2 of the crushed tortilla chips
• Then place 1/2 of the cheese on top of them.

• Repeat the layers.
• Optional – add sliced jalapeño peppers to the top of the casserole.

• Cover and cook for 25 minutes
• Uncover and cover for another 10-15 Minutes until the cheese is browned.
• Rest for 5 minutes and then dig in.

Delicious High-Protein Meal in One Dish

This recipe far exceeded my expectations. I wanted a high-protein meal and knew this would fit the bill. The recipe is great for leftovers and freezes well. I think it tastes better the next day.

I hope you and your family love this delicious, hearty recipe as much as we do. Enjoy!