If your weeknight dinners are starting to feel a little, well, predictable, then it’s time to shake things up with this Delicious Recipe for Fiesta Chicken Casserole! Imagine tender rotini pasta wrapped in a creamy, zesty blend of sour cream and salsa, dotted with colorful sweet corn, hearty black beans, and juicy chicken. All of it is blanketed in melty cheese, baked until bubbly, and just begging to be scooped onto your plate. This is the kind of family-friendly, make-ahead casserole that brightens up any table and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Delicious Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet together, they create something truly crave-worthy. Each addition lends its own little magic, whether it’s bold flavor, creamy comfort, or a pop of color that catches your eye as soon as the casserole emerges from the oven.
- Uncooked rotini pasta: The spirals hold onto the sauce beautifully and make every bite extra satisfying.
- Sour cream: This adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the bold flavors.
- Salsa: Use your favorite brand for bright, zesty flavor and a little texture.
- Mild taco seasoning (1 packet): The secret to that unmistakable Tex-Mex flavor, all in one easy step.
- Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that deepens the whole dish.
- Garlic powder: Provides mellow, savory depth without being overpowering.
- Onion powder: Adds complexity, pulling all the other flavors together.
- Canned corn (15 oz, drained): Pops of sweetness and color throughout the casserole.
- Canned black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed): For a hearty bite and extra fiber (and more color, of course!).
- Cooked chicken (2½ cups): Use rotisserie or any leftover chicken—just chop or shred it for easy mixing.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups): Go with your favorite—Colby Jack, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all stars here, melting into gooey, golden perfection.
How to Make Fiesta Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This tiny extra step prevents sticking and means serving is a breeze (no precious cheesy crust left behind).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—don’t skip the salt, it really does season the pasta. Add your rotini and cook until just al dente, following package directions. Remember, the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you want it to be firm but not crunchy. Drain, but do not rinse, so that the sauce clings beautifully later.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
While your pasta bubbles away, grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend delivers the creamy, boldly seasoned backbone of your Delicious Recipe. You’ll notice how the salsa brings little flecks of veggies and spices to the mix!
Step 4: Build the Casserole Base
Add your drained rotini to the bowl with the sauce. Stir until every spiral is coated in creamy flavor—this ensures the casserole tastes delicious in every bite. Next, gently fold in the corn, black beans, cooked chicken, and one cup of shredded cheese. With every mix, you’ll see a rainbow of colors and textures coming together.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the delicious, colorful mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes; this lets everything meld and the cheese begins to melt. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to get that irresistible bubbly, golden top.
How to Serve Fiesta Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Take your Fiesta Chicken Casserole to the next level with some fresh garnishes! A dollop of extra sour cream, chopped juicy tomatoes, bright cilantro, and creamy avocado slices are my go-to toppers. They bring coolness, color, and even more flavor—don’t be shy with them!
Side Dishes
If you want a truly festive spread, serve this Delicious Recipe with a simple green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. Sauteed veggies, cilantro-lime rice, or even a big bowl of guacamole offer lovely contrasts and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the casserole family-style straight from the pan for a cozy, casual meal—or, get a little fancy! Try spooning servings into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or tuck hearty scoops inside warm tortillas for a burrito-style twist. For a crowd, set up a buffet with bowls of toppers and let everyone customize their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fiesta Chicken Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it covered in the dish or transfer to airtight containers. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it an even tastier Delicious Recipe for lunch or busy night dinners!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, assemble the Delicious Recipe casserole but don’t bake it—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a little extra time if necessary. This is a lifesaver for meal prepping ahead of busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or cover and heat larger portions in a 350 degree oven until bubbly again. If it seems a little dry, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding sauce, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just keep the cook time the same and aim for al dente texture so your Delicious Recipe stays delightfully hearty, not mushy.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Spice fans, rejoice! You can totally kick up the heat by using hot taco seasoning, adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder, or tossing in a can of chopped green chilies. Top each serving with fresh sliced jalapenos for even more zing.
Is there a dairy-free option?
There sure is! Use your favorite plant-based sour cream and shredded cheese substitutes—the rest of the Delicious Recipe is already dairy-free. Just be sure to check labels for seasonings if you have specific sensitivities.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole ahead and keep it covered in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep a breeze, and you can pop it in the oven right before guests arrive. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the bake time if cold.
What type of chicken works best?
Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut, but any cooked, chopped, or shredded chicken works great in this Delicious Recipe. If you prefer, turkey would also be a tasty swap!
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a Delicious Recipe that brings big flavor and joy with every bite, and Fiesta Chicken Casserole is exactly that dish. Give it a try—it’s quick, hearty, and will instantly become a new family favorite!
PrintDelicious Recipe
Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make chicken casserole dish that combines tender pasta, savory chicken, corn, black beans, and taco seasonings all baked together with a generous amount of cheese for a flavorful and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet mild taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 2½ cups cooked chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Salt the pasta water.
- Combine sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and add it to the sour cream mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add in the corn, black beans, chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir together.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sour cream, tomato, cilantro, and avocado slices if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Cheese: Use your preferred cheese such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cheddar.
- Salsa: Opt for your favorite salsa, preferably fresh refrigerated salsa.
- Spicy Variation: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, hot taco seasoning, jalapeños, or diced green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Recipe Update: The recipe has been revised for better flavor balance and ratios.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 372 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 816mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
