Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole

The aroma of spicy chilies and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen signals that the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is almost ready to grace your dinner table. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish combines tender shredded chicken with bold Mexican flavors, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Ree Drummond’s popular Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole has become a staple in homes across America for good reason – it’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor in every bite. You’ll learn how to create this delicious layered casserole with easy-to-find ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together convenience and incredible flavor. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of textures – from the tender, juicy shredded chicken to the creamy sauce and the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips layered throughout. The dish features a harmonious blend of Mexican spices that creates depth without overwhelming heat, making it suitable for the whole family.

What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake when needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining. The layers of flavor build as the casserole bakes, with the cheese melting into a golden, bubbly blanket that invites everyone to dig in. Even better, this Mexican chicken bake uses simple pantry staples, so you can likely whip it up without a special trip to the grocery store.

The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole also transitions beautifully from casual family dinners to more festive occasions, pairing wonderfully with simple sides or standing strong as the centerpiece of your meal.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, you’ll need:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 pound or 450g)
• 2 cans (10.5 oz/300g each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz/280g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 can (4 oz/113g) diced green chilies
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/160g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 3 cups (340g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2 cups (50g) crushed tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken forms the hearty base of this casserole, while the cream of chicken soup and sour cream create a rich, velvety sauce. The diced tomatoes with green chilies and additional green chilies provide authentic Mexican flavor and a gentle heat that’s not overwhelming. Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged for the best melting quality.

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Preparation

For the juiciest chicken in your Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, use a combination of white and dark meat. Either roast a whole chicken and shred it, or take a shortcut with a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. The rotisserie option infuses extra flavor and saves significant time. Make sure to let the chicken cool slightly before shredding to avoid burning your fingers, and pull the meat along the grain for the perfect texture.

Layering Technique

The secret to this casserole’s amazing texture lies in the layering method. Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking, then add tortillas, making sure they slightly overlap. When adding the chicken mixture, spread it evenly but don’t press down too firmly – this maintains some airiness in the final dish. Reserve about a third of your cheese for the very top layer, which creates that irresistible golden crust.

Resting Period

Always allow your Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This crucial step allows the layers to set and makes serving much neater. During this resting time, the flavors continue to meld together, and the temperature becomes perfect for eating without burning your mouth. This is the perfect time to prepare any fresh garnishes or side dishes.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream, stirring until well incorporated. Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, canned green chilies, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.

Step 2: Create Your Base Layer

Spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange a layer of quartered corn tortillas over this base, slightly overlapping them to create a solid foundation. The tortillas will absorb moisture from the sauce and become wonderfully tender during baking.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Layers

Spread one-third of the remaining chicken mixture over the tortilla layer, then sprinkle with about 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese. Add another layer of quartered tortillas, followed by half of the remaining chicken mixture and another 3/4 cup of cheese. Create a final layer with the remaining tortillas, topped with the rest of the chicken mixture.

Step 4: Add Final Touches and Bake

Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top layer, then finish with the remaining cheese, creating a generous cheesy crust that will become golden and bubbly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the top of the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove your Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for the layers to set properly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, savory casserole. Cut into portions and serve while still warm for the best experience.

Variations

Spicy Southwest Version

Transform the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole into a fiery delight by adding 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed if you prefer less heat) to the chicken mixture. Replace the Mexican cheese blend with pepper jack cheese for an additional kick, and incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the spice mix. Top the finished casserole with sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce for those who really love heat.

Vegetarian Adaptation

Create a delicious meat-free version by substituting the chicken with 4 cups of mixed beans (black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans work well) and 2 cups of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth-based cream soup instead of chicken. This vegetarian Mexican bean casserole maintains the spirit of the original dish while providing a hearty plant-based alternative that’s packed with protein and fiber.

Breakfast Casserole Twist

For a morning variation of the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, add 6 beaten eggs to the chicken mixture and include 1 cup of diced breakfast potatoes or hash browns in the layers. Serve with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of salsa for a hearty breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to impress weekend guests.

Storage and Serving

The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Once cooled, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months – just be sure to wrap them tightly in foil and place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice makes for a complete meal. For a festive presentation, serve with a topping bar including diced avocado, extra sour cream, pico de gallo, sliced black olives, and lime wedges, allowing everyone to customize their portion.

FAQs

Can I make the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
The easiest method is using two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart. For larger quantities, you can place slightly cooled chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for quick shredding.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While you can substitute flour tortillas, corn tortillas are recommended as they hold up better to the moisture in the casserole and provide a more authentic flavor. If using flour tortillas, reduce the baking time slightly to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Is there a way to reduce the sodium in this casserole?
Yes, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, rinse the canned chilies before adding them, and consider using only half the recommended cheese amount on top. You can also make your own cream sauce as a substitute for the canned soup.

What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream, providing the same tanginess and creaminess with additional protein and less fat. Mexican crema or even cream cheese thinned with a little milk will also work in a pinch.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that combines tender chicken with zesty Mexican flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family running to the dinner table and ensures empty plates all around. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite. With its make-ahead convenience and versatile nature, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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