This quick and easy Healthy Mexican Chicken Casserole is a delicious, lightened up way to enjoy your favorite Mexican food! With only 12 ingredients and 15 minutes of prep required, this is the perfect weeknight dinner!
Continue to read on for tips! And, don’t miss the step by step photos and video showing you how to make this Mexican casserole!
Updated: This post was originally published in January 2019. I’ve updated the post below to include more information about quinoa casserole. Plus, I’ve included a step-by-step video to show you how easy this healthy Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe is to make!
Hey there, friends!
Can we talk about casseroles for a hot minute? I want to know, what are your thoughts on them? Love them? Hate them? Or, are you totally indifferent?
As for me, growing up I always dreaded casseroles. They evoke images of sad, overcooked vegetables and weird canned cream of something soup. Needless to say casseroles, or bakes, were a hard ‘no’ for me.
But, casseroles done right? You know, the ones with tender-crisp veggies, a moist, flavorful filling and a generous amount of bubbly cheese?! Gimme ALL of that! Those casseroles I fully support eating, because they are not only delicious, but they are also a total lifesaver on busy weeknights!
The casserole I am sharing today is honestly one I could eat weekly for the rest of my life.
It’s Mexican food meets healthy and delicious with the perfect amount of cheese. Basically, this super easy cheesy quinoa bake is lightened up Mexican comfort food that is so good you may want to say sayonara to Taco Tuesday and opt for healthy Mexican Monday instead.
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Healthy Mexican Chicken Casserole
Fluffy, nutty quinoa mixed with tender, shredded chicken, mild green chiles, roasted kernels of corn, hearty black beans, pungent yellow onions, bright salsa verde and a generous amount of sharp colby jack and soft mozzarella cheeses. Baked until warm, melted and bubbly, it’s the perfect fix when you are craving Mexican food, but you also want a healthy dose of protein, fiber and general feel-good eats.
This healthy Mexican casserole is literally going to be your weeknight dinner lifesaver. With only 12 ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, you can simply throw everything into a casserole dish, give it a good stir, top with shredded cheese and bake. I mean, dinner doesn’t get any easier than that!
How to make a Mexican casserole?
Quinoa casseroles are quick and easy to prepare, which make them perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13’’ baking dish (or similar sized casserole dish) with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook the quinoa according to directions on package (please see the notes section of the recipe for how to make perfectly cooked quinoa at home!). Once cooked, remove from heat, fluff and season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl.
- Mix casserole ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, salsa, onion, green chiles, corn, black beans, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder to the bowl of quinoa. Stir to combine. Fold in 1 cup of jack cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella. Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove baking dish from the oven and top with optional garnishes. Serve and enjoy!
Step by step photos of how to make a healthy casserole:
How long to bake a casserole?
The exact temperature and length of time to cook your chicken casserole can vary from recipe to recipe. However, it should generally be cooked in an oven preheated between 325 t0 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes. This temperature range ensures that the filling is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This healthy casserole recipe calls for baking the casserole in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 22-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Can you make this chicken casserole in advance?
Yes, this healthy and delicious casserole can be made in advance!
To make a Mexican casserole in advance, simply assemble the casserole as directed in the recipe instructions, but do not bake. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The unbaked, assembled casserole stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How long will a quinoa casserole keep?
Cooked Mexican quinoa casserole can be kept in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze quinoa casserole?
Yes you can freeze this casserole!
Baked casserole leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Pro-tip: Portion out leftover Mexican Chicken Casserole into individual servings and freeze for an easy microwave meal (perfect for lunches)!
Unbaked casserole can be assembled and covered tightly with plastic wrap and then foil and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake per the recipe instructions, adding 15-20 minutes to the cook time.
How to reheat a casserole?
There are two ways you can reheat this Mexican quinoa bake:
- In the oven: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed throughout.
- In the microwave: Place desired amount of casserole on a microwave safe plate and microwave until warmed throughout.
What to put in a Mexican casserole?
Casseroles are extremely versatile and adaptable! It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables, fresh herbs or pantry seasonings you have hanging around your kitchen!
Delicious ingredient options and add-ins for a Tex-Mex casserole:
- Cooked chicken or turkey (shredded or chopped)
- Salsa verde, fire roasted tomato salsa or enchilada sauce
- Green chiles, jalapenos, poblano, or chipotle peppers (chopped)
- Corn Kernels
- Onion – red or yellow (chopped)
- Black beans or pinto beans
- Bell pepper
- Diced tomato
- Roasted cauliflower
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
What to serve with a Mexican chicken bake?
This Healthy Mexican Casserole eats like a meal. It’s loaded with super-grain quinoa, protein-packed chicken, beans and fresh vegetables. However, there are a number of side dishes you can serve to round out this meal.
- Fresh Mexican Cabbage Slaw
- Guacamole
- Southwestern or Mexican chopped salad
- Slow cooked Mexican beans (Frijoles de la Olla)
- Black bean salad
- Mexican corn (Elote) or Mexican corn salad (Esquites)
This quinoa Casserole is packed with all your favorite Mexican flavors! And, it’s so easy to make! Loaded with protein and fiber, this one pan bake is a delicious spin on comfort food and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Until next week, friends, cheers – to casseroles done right!
XOXO
Cheyanne
More easy Mexican meals:
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The best Mexican Chicken Casserole recipe with step-by-step video! 👇
Healthy Mexican Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13’’ baking dish (or similar sized casserole dish)
- Saucepan (to cook quinoa)
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cups Uncooked Quinoa
- 3 Cups Cooked Chicken – shredded or chopped (If using Rotisserie – make sure you discard the skin)
- 1 1/3 Cup Salsa Verde Click on ingredient name for homemade salsa recipe (SEE NOTES for salsa amount)
- ½ small Yellow Onion – finely diced
- 1 (4.5 ounce) Can Chopped Green Chiles - drained
- ¾ Cup Roasted Corn Kernels – canned or frozen (drained if using canned)
- ¾ Cup Black Beans – drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Cumin and Chili Powder
- 1 ½ Cups Colby Jack or Monterey Jack Cheese - freshly shredded, divided
- 1 ¼ Cup Mozzarella Cheese – freshly shredded, divided
Optional for Serving: Sliced Scallions, Chopped Cilantro, Sliced Avocados, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13’’ baking dish (or similar sized casserole dish) with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook the quinoa according to directions on package (SEE NOTES for how to make perfectly cooked quinoa!). Once cooked, remove from heat, fluff and season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked quinoa to a large bowl.
- Mix casserole ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, salsa, onion, green chiles, corn, black beans, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder to the bowl of quinoa. Stir to combine. Fold in 1 cup of jack cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella. Generously season with salt and pepper. (SEE NOTES)
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove baking dish from the oven and top with optional garnishes. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If your quinoa and the chicken quinoa mixture seems on the dry side, add more salsa one tablespoon at a time. If you cooked the quinoa according to the directions below, you shouldn't need more salsa.
- Baked quinoa casserole leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Pro-tip: Portion out leftover quinoa casserole into individual servings and freeze for an easy microwave meal (perfect for lunches)!
- Unbaked quinoa casserole can be assembled and covered tightly with plastic wrap and then foil and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake per the recipe instructions, adding 15-20 minutes to the cook time.
- Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer with cool water and drain well.
- Transfer quinoa to a saucepan and add 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook quinoa, stirring occasionally, until all of the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes, reducing heat as necessary.
- Remove pan from heat and cover. Let the quinoa steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove lid, fluff and season generously with salt and pepper. Proceed with recipe.
Nutrition
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I have made this recipe numerous times and it is always a hit! Thanks for sharing!!!
Hi Susan,
I’m thrilled to hear you enjoy the recipe and have made it multiple times!! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how this casserole went over!
Cheers and warm wish for a very happy New Year,
Cheyanne
When it comes to casseroles I’m firmly in the love camp, mostly because they so often involve lots of melty cheese. This looks delicious, Chey! I’m going to have to try it soon!
My kind of casserole Chey! I LOVE adding quinoa to dishes. Makes it so hearty. This one will definitely be added to our weekly menu! Pinned and will be trying soon!
Honestly I’m on the fence about casseroles…it all depends. Typically if it has Mexican or Italian origin, I’m in. Some casseroles can be too monotonous, but not this one. And I love quinoa, so most definitely putting this one on the menu!!
This casserole is absolutely perfect for weeknight dinner! And using quinoa, genius! Packed full of flavors!
I am a casserole lover! I love all the flavours and texture together in one bite. This one looks so perfect and I love the use of quinoa!
I love that you suggested adding roasted sweet potatoes–I’ve been on a huge sweet potato kick lately so I’m totally trying this with a few mixed in :). Sounds fabulous! Have a great weekend, Chey!
I don’t enjoy Mexican food very often as it’s rather heavy for me. However, quinoa totally makes the difference here (Besides, I’ve never used quinoa in a casserole – interesting). This dish loaded with chicken, legumes, and cheese (of course!) looks and sounds perfect. And I’m telling you – even though I haven’t tried this casserole yet, it’s already my favourite 🙂
What a mouthwatering and protein rich casserole! I love mine with an extra portion of avocado dip :-))