Craving a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s a breeze to prepare? This Southwest Black Bean and Chicken Casserole fits the bill perfectly, offering a delicious twist on healthy chicken casserole recipes. It’s packed with flavor, easy to assemble, and ideal for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: You can use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Black Beans: Canned pinto beans or kidney beans work well too.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn are all great options.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite mild or medium salsa.
- Cheese: Feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.
- Tortilla Chips: Corn tortillas torn into pieces can be a good substitute.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained, or 1 ½ cups frozen corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This simple step makes cleanup much easier.
2. Combine Casserole Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken and bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. This ensures consistent cooking throughout your healthy chicken casserole.
4. Add Toppings
Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the casserole mixture. Then, top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. These toppings will get wonderfully crispy and melted.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. You’ll see the edges lightly browned, indicating it’s ready.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. This makes serving neater and prevents burns.
Variation Ideas:
- Add diced bell peppers or onions to the mixture for more vegetables.
- Top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt after baking.
- For extra heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Southwest Black Bean and Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warm, or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you prepare this healthy chicken casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the tortilla chips) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the chips and cheese just before baking.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Any cooked chicken breast works well. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, or you can boil or bake chicken breasts yourself.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your broth and salsa are gluten-free, this recipe can be easily made gluten-free.
Can you freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled and baked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are some good side dishes for this casserole?
A simple green salad, rice, or extra salsa and guacamole pair wonderfully with this healthy chicken casserole.
How can you make this spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce, an extra pinch of chili powder, or some finely diced jalapeños to the mixture for more heat.