This Chicken Fiesta Casserole is a delicious and easy dinner option that is sure to please the whole family! It's packed with flavor from chicken, beans, corn, and spices, all topped with gooey melted cheese.
Jump to:
❤️ Why You'll Love It
- You only need a few simple ingredients so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money at the grocery store to make this delicious dinner.
- With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can spend more time with your family, and less time in the kitchen with this good casserole recipe.
- It's a great casserole to make when you want to change up your normal taco Tuesday routine.
This easy chicken casserole recipe is a great way to add some variety to your meal plan. With the fiesta-style flavors and gooey cheese topping, you can't go wrong!
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Uncooked pasta - You can use any type of pasta that you have on hand. I like to use spiral pasta so that the creamy sauce sticks to it better.
- Cooked chicken - This is the perfect recipe to make when you have leftover rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken that you need to use.
- Corn kernels - Frozen or canned corn can be used. If you are using canned make sure to drain them well first.
- Diced green chiles - You can change the spice level by using mild or hot green chilies.
- Black beans - Don't forget to drain and rinse the black beans.
- Salsa - Use your favorite brand, even picante sauce will work.
- Onion - I like to use a yellow onion, but you can also use white onions for cooking.
- Bell peppers - I used a green bell pepper for the color, however, you can use any color of bell pepper that you have on hand.
- Cream cheese - The block-style cream cheese will work best for this casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup - This pantry staple will add a creamy sauce to this easy casserole recipe.
- Spices - To add the delicious Mexican flavors to this casserole you will need cumin and paprika from your spice cabinet.
- Cilantro - Fresh cilantro will add a burst of flavor to this dish.
- Shredded cheese - I like to use Colby jack cheese for the great melt, however, you can also use cheddar cheese or your favorite Mexican blend.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix together cream cheese and cream of chicken soup.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cooked chicken, corn, beans, chiles, salsa, onion, peppers, and cream cheese mixture and mix all well together.
- Mix in paprika, cumin, and cilantro. Taste to adjust seasoning.
- Pour the mixture into a 13x9 baking casserole and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in a 350-degree preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese melts.
🥣 Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
- large pot
- colander
- small bowl
- large mixing bowl
- 9x13 casserole dish
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!
👍 Amira's Tips
- Since you are going to put your pasta back in the oven to continue cooking, make sure that you boil it until it is al dente so that it doesn't become overly mushy in the oven.
- Don't forget to spray your baking dish well with cooking spray so that cleaning up is easy.
- If your casserole is a little dry when you reheat it, add a little milk or chicken broth to add some extra moisture.
🧺 Storage
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freeze - You can also freeze the casserole for up to three months. I like to wrap the casserole dish in a couple of layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheat - You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 - 17 minutes, or single servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
⌛ Make Ahead
This casserole is great when made ahead. I like to prep the entire casserole and then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add five minutes to the baking time since it's cold.
🍽️ Serve With
This fiesta chicken casserole recipe is a complete meal all on its own. However, if you want to add a little something extra to your meal serve it with this No Tomato Guacamole along with tortilla chips, or even a simple green side dish like this Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli.
👩🍳 Variations
- You can use your favorite taco toppings as a garnish I like to use sour cream, green onions, and cilantro.
- I also like to swap out the pasta for instant rice and some chicken broth to make a delicious fajita rice casserole.
- Don't have leftover chicken? Just poach or bake some chicken breasts or chicken thighs to use in this casserole.
💬 FAQs
Yes, you can use tofu, or even cooked ground beef to make this hearty casserole instead of chicken.
📣 Related Recipes
- This Chicken Broccoli Potato Casserole is one of my favorite easy chicken casserole recipes to make for family dinner. Plus, the whole family loves it.
- This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is another weeknight favorite to make in our household. It's full of Tex-Mex flavors and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a great way to satisfy your comfort food craving, without having to do all the work of traditional stuffed peppers. That means that it's great for busy weeknights.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
Chicken Fiesta Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels , drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced chiles , drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 jar (16 ounce) salsa , use your favorite
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 bell pepper finely diced
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese , softened
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼- ⅓ cup cilantro chopped optional
- 2 cups Colby jack shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a pot of salty water 1 minute less that the package directions. Drain.
- Preheat oven to 350F
- In a small bowl mix together cream cheese and cream of chicken soup.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cooked chicken, corn, beans, chiles, salsa, onion, peppers, cream cheese mixture and mix all well together.
- Mix in paprika, cumin and cilantro. Taste to adjust seasoning.
- Pour the mixture into a 13x9 baking casserole and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese melts.
Notes
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Kumar
It becomes a family favorite, and my family loved it. Thanks for the recipe!