Fiesta Chicken Casserole

 

 

  As I was mindlessly scrolling through tiktok videos, I happened upon a version of this recipe. Besides looking easy and delicious, I quickly realized that many of the ingredients happened to be on my wall of home canned items, so I knew this would be a good one to try. I must admit, I didn't exactly stick to the recipe from the video, though. I just suited it to what I had on hand. 

 For instance, it called for uncooked minute rice, but I used up some leftover takeout rice instead. It called for rotel tomatoes, but I used sliced stewed tomatoes. It called for chili seasoning blend, so I used cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Then I added some scallions for a little color and I also used two kinds of cheese instead of one, because why not? 

 So. as you can see, it's BASICALLY the same, but not exactly. But here's the thing... no matter how you make it, it still comes out tasting amazing! That's the beauty of a casserole. And since it only took literally 10 minutes to assemble, I think I'm gonna keep this in mind whenever I need to throw together a quick dinner. Having a Cinco de mayo party? This would be perfect! 

 I've listed it below as I did it, but you should make it the way YOU like it! Serve it up with some sour cream and a few tortilla chips. I promise you and your guests will love it!

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15oz can diced tomatoes

2 chopped scallions
1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup milk

splash of Worcester sauce

1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese 

Fresh chives, optional

Mix all ingredients except mozzarella cheese, then place in a large casserole dish.  

Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350º for about a half hour or until bubbly. Garnish with a few chopped chives, if desired.

Tips:

Feel free to add some heat: Minced jalapeno or serrano peppers would be great. Or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Or even just a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes. 

For some additional color and flavor, toss in some finely diced red, orange, green, and/or yellow bell peppers. 

And for a little bit of freshness, top with a little chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.