Easy Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Easy Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is a cozy, flavor-packed dinner made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, cheese, and zesty Mexican-inspired spices. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry family with minimal effort.

If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and flavor-packed dish that can feed a crowd with ease, this Ina Garten Mexican Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution.

Known for her reliable and delicious comfort food, Ina Garten delivers with this recipe, which features tender shredded chicken combined with black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, all layered between tortillas.

It’s a fantastic, fuss-free meal that is quick to assemble and bakes up beautifully golden and bubbly, guaranteeing a hearty and flavorful dinner that the entire family will request again and again.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Perfect comfort food layering chicken, cheese, and tortillas.
• Simple assembly makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Feeds a crowd easily and is great for potlucks.
• Uses tender shredded chicken for maximum flavor saturation.
• Freezes beautifully, making meal prep stress-free and simple.

Easy Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken breast: For tender casserole base
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: For bold flavor
• Cream of chicken soup: Creates rich, creamy texture
• Sour cream: Adds tangy, smooth creaminess
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts perfectly on top
• Crushed tortilla chips: For crunchy casserole layers
• Diced onion: For savory depth and aroma
• Sweet corn kernels: Adds a pop of sweetness
• Black beans: Brings a hearty texture and protein
• Chili powder: Provides warm, smoky flavor notes
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy spice to dish
• Garlic powder: Boosts overall savory taste
• Salt: Balances and enhances all flavors
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat
• Fresh cilantro: For bright, fresh topping option
• Sliced green onions: For a crisp flavor finish
• Sliced jalapeños: Adds a extra spicy kick topping

How To Make Easy Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step One: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step Two: Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced onion, and half of the shredded cheese. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step Three: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Top with the remaining crushed chips and the rest of the shredded cheese.

Step Four: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños if you like extra flavor.

Easy Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Crush the tortilla chips slightly, but don’t pulverize them — you want some crunch.
• Taste the sauce before mixing and adjust the spices to your heat preference.
• Drain and rinse the beans well so the casserole doesn’t turn watery.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets up and slices cleanly.
• Add a layer of cheese in the middle and on top for extra cheesy goodness.
• If you like it spicier, toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Storing Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Easy Ina Garten’s Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe Faqs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Shred about 3 to 4 cups of meat to save time and ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

What kind of tortillas work best? Corn or flour tortillas can be used, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor, while flour tortillas tend to be softer. Use the soft taco size for easier layering.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery? Ensure all canned ingredients (like black beans and corn) are well-drained. Also, don’t over-saturate the layers with too much sauce; the tortillas will absorb liquid during baking.

Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes

• Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
• Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe
• Ina Garten Deviled Eggs Recipe
• Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan
• Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup
• French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa
• Barefoot Contessa Cornish Hen Recipe
• Easy Ina Garten’s Sausage and Herb Stuffing Recipe
• Ina Garten’s Cornbread Stuffing
• Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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