Today, I am going to make the Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole, a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. This casserole combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of Tex-Mex spices to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. With layers of cheese and a crispy topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

What is Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole?

The Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole is a layered casserole dish that features shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a mix of Tex-Mex spices. It’s topped with cheese and tortilla chips for a crunchy finish. This casserole is a complete meal in one dish, making it an easy and convenient option for busy weeknights.

Other Pioneer Woman Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Flavorful: Packed with Tex-Mex spices and hearty ingredients.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time.
Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.

Versatile: Customize with your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients.
Make-Ahead: This can be prepared in advance and baked when ready.
Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks and family dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 small onion, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Mix the chicken and beans: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles, salsa, and sautéed vegetables. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Assemble the casserole:
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture and cheese.
Add the topping:
- Spread the sour cream over the top layer of cheese.
- Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the sour cream.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the casserole.
Fresh Salsa: Serve with fresh salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice complements the dish well.

Refried Beans: Add a side of refried beans for a complete Tex-Mex meal.
Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the casserole for a zesty finish.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese enhance the flavor.
Even Layers: Ensure even layers for consistent flavor in every bite.
Customize Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste preference.

Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest before serving to set the layers.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for a richer flavor.
Crunchy Topping: Add more tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole

Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more beans and vegetables for a meatless version.
Spicy: Add jalapeños or use hot salsa to give the dish a kick.
Cheesy: Mix different types of cheese, like pepper jack and queso fresco, for a richer flavor.

Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of corn for a low-carb option.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free and use gluten-free tortilla chips.
Protein-Rich: Add cooked and crumbled chorizo or sausage for extra protein.

Storing Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole: Best Practices

Oven Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power.

Cover for Moisture: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
Stir Occasionally: Stir during reheating to ensure even warming.

How can I make Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole healthier, consider these modifications:

Lean Protein: Use lean chicken breast or turkey instead of higher-fat cuts of meat.
Low-Fat Dairy: Opt for low-fat or part-skim cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Whole Grains: Replace regular corn with whole grain corn or use quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.

Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutrient content.
Reduced Sodium: Use low-sodium black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, and season with fresh herbs and spices instead of salt.
Healthy Toppings: Instead of crushed tortilla chips, use baked tortilla chips or omit the chips entirely and top with fresh avocado slices for healthy fats.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 400
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g

Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 700mg

Other Yummy Recipes:

FAQs

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

How do I store leftover Pioneer Woman Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole?

Store leftover Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before storing it to prevent condensation.

Can I use leftover chicken for Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Simply shred or chop the leftover chicken and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts in the recipe. This will reduce your prep time and help you make the most of your leftovers.

Is Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole gluten-free?

Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free. Use gluten-free tortillas or eliminate them entirely. Always check labels on canned goods and other ingredients to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole is a delicious and convenient dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and potluck gatherings. With its blend of Tex-Mex flavors and hearty ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of this wonderful casserole with your loved ones!

$Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole Recipe$