Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole
Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole with Black Pepper, Refried Beans, Salsa, Corn, and Cheddar
Introduction
This Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with protein and flavor, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Mexican flavors, combining classic ingredients like refried beans, salsa, and cheddar cheese with ground chicken and corn. The result is a comforting and satisfying casserole that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) frozen white bread dough, thawed completely
- 0.5 lb (227 g) ground chicken breast
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 16 oz (454 g) can refried beans
- 0.5 cup chunky salsa
- 10 oz (283 g) frozen corn, thawed
- 4 oz (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Spray a pizza pan with cooking spray.
- Pat the dough into the prepared pan, then form the dough edges into a rim and prick with a fork.
- Bake the crust for ten minutes.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken until it is no longer pink.
- Add black pepper.
- Spread the refried beans evenly over the pre-baked crust, then spread salsa.
- Add the cooked chicken, corn, and cheese evenly over the top, and bake for 15 minutes.
Variations
- Add some diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra flavor and heat.
- Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Top the casserole with some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to thaw the bread dough completely before using it in this recipe.
- Pre-baking the crust ensures that it will be crispy and golden brown.
- Cooking the chicken until it is no longer pink ensures that it will be fully cooked through in the casserole.
- Be sure to spread the ingredients evenly over the crust to ensure that each bite is full of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some fresh avocado slices for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Pre-baking the crust ensures that it will be crispy and golden brown.
- Cooking the chicken until it is no longer pink ensures that it will be fully cooked through in the casserole.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use store-bought pizza dough instead of frozen bread dough.
- Any type of ground meat can be used in place of ground chicken.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you are starting with a cold casserole.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this casserole on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, a side of Spanish rice, or some homemade guacamole.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Carbohydrates
This casserole is a great source of carbohydrates, with the bread dough, refried beans, and corn providing a good amount of energy for your body.
Fats
The cheddar cheese in this casserole adds a deliciously creamy texture and a good amount of healthy fats to the dish.
Proteins
The ground chicken in this casserole is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Vitamins and minerals
This casserole is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and cheese, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (bread dough), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
Summary
Overall, this Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
This Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, flavor, and nutrients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. I had always loved to watch my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals for our family. But this recipe was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
I was visiting a friend's house one day when her mother decided to make this casserole for dinner. As soon as I saw her gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish, I was captivated. The combination of tender chicken, savory beans, and flavorful spices seemed like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.
I asked my friend's mother if she would be willing to teach me her recipe, and she graciously agreed. She showed me step by step how to marinate the chicken in a blend of spices, how to layer it with beans and cheese in a casserole dish, and how to bake it until it was golden and bubbling. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it cooked was absolutely intoxicating.
After that day, I made the Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole for my own family as often as I could. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and I knew that it was a recipe that would be passed down for generations to come. But little did I know just how far this recipe would take me.
As I grew older, I continued to hone my cooking skills and expand my repertoire of recipes. I traveled to different regions of Mexico, learning from local cooks and sampling the diverse flavors of each area. I discovered new ingredients and techniques that I incorporated into my own cooking, always striving to create dishes that were both delicious and unique.
One day, I was invited to participate in a cooking competition in the city. The challenge was to create a dish that showcased the flavors of Mexico in a creative and innovative way. I knew immediately that I would make my Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole.
As I prepared the dish for the competition, I put my heart and soul into every step. I carefully selected the freshest ingredients and added a few twists of my own to make the recipe truly my own. When the judges tasted my casserole, their eyes lit up with delight. They commented on the harmony of flavors, the perfect balance of spices, and the comforting warmth of the dish.
To my surprise and joy, I was declared the winner of the competition. My Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole had impressed even the most discerning of palates. From that moment on, my reputation as a talented cook spread far and wide.
People from all over came to me, asking for the recipe and seeking my advice on how to recreate it in their own kitchens. I was delighted to share my knowledge and passion for cooking with others, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. The recipe for Mexican Chicken and Bean Casserole has been a constant in my life, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones and the power of food to bring people together.
As I take a bite of the casserole, savoring the rich flavors and memories it evokes, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. And I can only hope that it will continue to bring happiness and warmth to those who taste it, just as it has for me all these years.
Categories
| Casserole Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Corn Recipes | Ground Chicken Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Prepared Salsa Recipes | Refried Bean Recipes |