Description

This Southwest Chicken Casserole combines shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, layered with a creamy sour cream and salsa sauce, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a hearty and flavorful baked dish.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa

Toppings

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for topping)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Add the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Pour the sour cream and salsa mixture over the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly on top.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Optional Topping: If using crushed tortilla chips, sprinkle them on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give the casserole a crunchy topping.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Use crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping during the last 5 minutes of baking (optional).
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Fresh cilantro garnish is optional but adds brightness to the dish.