Craving a dish that combines the fiery kick of buffalo chicken with the irresistible charm of Mexican-inspired cuisine? Look no further! This Buffalo Chicken Mexican Casserole is about to become your new obsession, delivering a mouthwatering blend of spicy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for seconds. Prepare to transform an ordinary weeknight meal into a culinary adventure that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and corn kernels to the chicken mixture. Gently fold in these ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla chips on the bottom. This will create a crunchy base for your casserole.
- Spread the chicken, buffalo sauce, bean, and corn mixture evenly over the layer of tortilla chips in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, allowing it to melt and bind the layers together.
- Top the casserole with the remaining tortilla chips, pressing them down slightly to create a stable top layer.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the tortilla chips, ensuring an even coverage for a cheesy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake the casserole for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set slightly.
- While the casserole is cooling, prepare the toppings. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a bit of buffalo sauce for extra flavor, if desired.
- Garnish the casserole with chopped green onions before serving. This adds a fresh crunch and color to the dish.
- Serve the Buffalo Chicken Mexican Casserole warm, with the sour cream mixture on the side for drizzling or dipping. Enjoy!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead of plain boiled chicken. The added depth of flavor makes a huge difference.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity based on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, mix the sauce with a bit of ranch dressing.
- Don't skip the layering technique - it's crucial for creating the perfect texture and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- If you want extra crunch, consider using slightly crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute some ingredients like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or adding more vegetables.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
