Fiesta Chicken Casserole Recipe
Fiesta Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked dish combining tender rotini pasta, seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and melted cheese. This vibrant casserole brings together Mexican-inspired spices and creamy salsa for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2½ cups uncooked rotini pasta
Seasoning Mixture
- 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 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water using about 1 teaspoon salt. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as this helps the sauce adhere better.
- Mix sauce ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, salsa, mild taco seasoning packet, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are uniformly blended.
- Combine pasta and mix-ins: Add the drained hot pasta directly into the sour cream mixture and stir to coat fully. Then add the drained corn, rinsed black beans, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with tin foil.
- Bake: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices. Serve warm. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Do not rinse the cooked pasta to help the sauce stick better.
- Use mild taco seasoning for subtle heat, or swap for medium/hot for spicier flavors.
- Feel free to add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or olives for additional flavor and texture.
- Leftover casserole keeps well for up to 4 days refrigerated and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: fiesta chicken casserole, taco seasoning casserole, baked chicken pasta, Mexican casserole, rotini chicken bake
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/fiesta-chicken-casserole-recipe/
