If you're looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a must-try! This hearty, comforting meal is filled with layers of delicious Mexican flavors like tender chicken, melted cheese, tortillas, and zesty seasonings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a dish for your next potluck, this casserole combines the ease of one-pan cooking with rich, savory ingredients that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and some creative variations to suit your tastes.

What is Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole?
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a popular dish inspired by Ree Drummond, a well-known chef and host of The Pioneer Woman cooking show. This recipe is a Mexican-inspired casserole featuring layers of chicken, tortillas, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients such as salsa, green chilies, and sour cream. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness that you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want to serve something both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients List for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
To make this casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel)
- 1 can (10 oz) of enchilada sauce (red or green, depending on your preference)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of frozen corn kernels (optional)
- 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 can (4 oz) of diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing the onion)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
These ingredients will come together to create layers of flavor and texture, making this casserole both rich and satisfying.
Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is already delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Protein: If you're not a fan of chicken, swap it out for ground beef, turkey, or even a meat substitute like tofu or beans for a vegetarian version. Black beans or pinto beans work well for added fiber and protein.
- Cheese: While the Mexican cheese blend is a great choice, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Dairy-free cheese can be substituted if needed.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you could use flour tortillas if you prefer. You can also make this gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas or omit the tortillas entirely and add more veggies or rice.
- Sour Cream: If you're looking for a lighter version, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. It offers a similar creamy texture but with added protein and less fat.
- Spiciness: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and adding extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the green chilies.
These options allow you to customize the recipe to your liking while keeping the Mexican flavors intact.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this casserole is simple, and it doesn’t take a lot of time. The following step-by-step guide will walk you through how to prepare the Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or lightly coat it with olive oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, sautéed onion, frozen corn (if using), cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies. Stir everything together until well mixed. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In the greased baking dish, start by layering a portion of the quartered corn tortillas on the bottom. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much liquid from the diced tomatoes or enchilada sauce, as this can make the casserole soggy. Drain the tomatoes if needed.
- Not pre-cooking the chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling the casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own, but raw chicken will not cook properly in the casserole.
- Overcooking the casserole: Baking the casserole for too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended time, and keep an eye on the cheese topping to avoid over-browning.
- Skipping the foil: Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking helps it cook evenly without drying out. Don’t forget to remove the foil toward the end for a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your casserole is baked and ready, there are plenty of ways to elevate your serving and presentation:
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with simple sides to round out the dish. Consider serving it with a side of:
- Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- A fresh green salad with avocado
- Chips and salsa or guacamole
These side dishes complement the Mexican flavors and add variety to the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole
For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing your casserole with fresh toppings like:
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- A sprinkle of chopped green onions
You can also serve individual portions in colorful, oven-safe dishes for a fun and vibrant touch.
Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your casserole the best it can be:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Add more veggies: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but the texture will be a bit different. Corn tortillas hold up better during baking and add a more authentic flavor.
Q: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A: Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños, use a hot enchilada sauce, or increase the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it well or store it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or beans for a hearty, meat-free version of this dish.
Q: What can I substitute for sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, offering a similar texture and flavor with less fat and more protein.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that brings together the comforting textures of a casserole with the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. With simple ingredients, plenty of room for customization, and tips to ensure success, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try today and enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and versatile!
PrintPioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Casserole is a hearty dish loaded with chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a blend of Mexican spices. This flavorful casserole makes a comforting meal for the whole family, with layers of cheesy goodness that brings out the best of Tex-Mex cuisine. Perfect for weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Corn tortillas
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Rotel tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, Rotel tomatoes, sautéed onions, and spices.
- In a greased baking dish, layer tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese.
- Repeat layers until the ingredients are used up, ending with cheese on top.
- Pour chicken broth evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve with sour cream and optional toppings like avocado or cilantro.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Customize with additional toppings such as olives or green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
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