The Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a delectable dish that marries the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting textures of a classic casserole. Featuring layers of tender, shredded chicken, crispy tortillas, and a rich, zesty sauce, this casserole is topped with a blend of melted cheeses for an irresistible meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare versatile, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your home.
What is Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole?
The Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that features layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a zesty sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Alfredo Sauce
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: A perfect blend of spices and textures.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Simple to Make: Easy steps with common ingredients.
- Versatile: This can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: It tastes fantastic the next day.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced green chilies
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, cumin, chili powder, diced green chilies, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer a third of the tortilla quarters, followed by a third of the shredded chicken, a third of the sauce mixture, and a third of the grated cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Mexican Rice: Complements the Tex-Mex flavors perfectly.
- Black Beans: Adds a protein-rich side.
- Guacamole: Provides a creamy, fresh contrast.
- Sour Cream: Enhances the dish’s creaminess.
- Tortilla Chips: Great for scooping up the casserole.
- Pico de Gallo: Adds a fresh, tangy touch.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables make a difference.
- Season Well: Ensure the sauce is well-seasoned.
- Cook Chicken Just Right: Ensure it’s tender and easy to shred.
- Layer Evenly: Helps in achieving a uniform bake.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven to prevent dryness.
- Customize the Cheese: Mix different cheeses for varied flavors.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with black beans or tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Green Chile Version: Use green enchilada sauce instead of salsa.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
- Cheesy Delight: Use extra cheese for a richer flavor.
Storing Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole: Best Practices
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Cover Well: Ensure it’s tightly covered to avoid freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Helps keep track of freshness.
- Reheat Properly: Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Store in single layers to maintain texture.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
- Microwave: Use the microwave for quicker reheating.
- Add Moisture: Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
- Cover When Reheating: Prevents it from drying out.
- Check Temperature: Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stir Occasionally: For even heating.
How can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole healthier?
To make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole healthier, you can make a few substitutions:
- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular corn tortillas for added fiber.
- Opt for low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Use a reduced-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese.
- Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or corn, to increase the nutritional value.
- Choose a low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce sodium intake.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
FAQs
How do I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole ahead of time?
To make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole ahead of time, prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions but do not bake it. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake as directed until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Instead of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, which might take a bit longer than the original baking time due to the casserole being cold.
What type of chicken is best for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole?
The best type of chicken for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole is cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken. The key is to ensure the chicken is tender and shredded finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
Final Words
The Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a delightful blend of Mexican flavors and comforting textures, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and creamy layers of this Tex-Mex classic!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
- Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
The Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that features layers of shredded chicken, tortillas, cheese, and a zesty sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced green chilies
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, cumin, chili powder, diced green chilies, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, layer a third of the tortilla quarters, followed by a third of the shredded chicken, a third of the sauce mixture, and a third of the grated cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
