Go Back
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of a casserole. Enter the Creamy Spicy Baked Jalapeño Chicken Casserole—a delightful blend of vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of spice that will excite your taste buds. This dish is not only an explosion of savory goodness but also a beacon of convenience for busy families seeking a nourishing meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Baked Jalapeño Chicken Casserole

Add some spice to your dinner routine with the Creamy Spicy Baked Jalapeño Chicken Casserole. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a hint of jalapeño warmth, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to fit your family's tastes. Enjoy a comforting meal that can be tailored to any dietary preference while delivering delicious flavors everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie or leftover)

1 cup cooked white rice (or quinoa for a healthier option)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or canned, adjust according to heat preference)

1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or additional cheddar)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in a splash of olive oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté them until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

      Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, the sautéed vegetable mixture, sour cream, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and the juice of half the lime. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

        Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

          Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture, ensuring a nice cheesy crust once baked.

            Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

              Garnish and Serve: Once your casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 6-8 servings

                  Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the casserole in individual portions with a lime wedge on the plate and a sprinkle of extra cilantro.