Experience the Best of Tex-Mex Flavors in Your Kitchen

For families, finding a meal that pleases everyone can sometimes feel like a culinary quest. Look no further! This Mexican Chicken Nacho Casserole with vibrant green beans is a guaranteed hit. Parents will appreciate the generous helping of fresh vegetables packed into the hearty filling, while the kids will undoubtedly cheer for the crispy chips crowning their dinner. What child wouldn’t love a meal that features crunchy nacho chips?

These savory, subtly spiced chips add an irresistible texture and a delightful kick, elevating the casserole from a simple dinner to an exciting culinary adventure. The combination of the crisp nachos, the rich, melted cheese, and the creamy sour cream with the savory chicken and green beans simmered in a zesty tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Serve it alongside fluffy rice and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying evening meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful.

I’ve previously shared some fantastic Mexican-inspired casserole recipes on my blog, such as the Mexican nacho casserole with minced meat and salsa and the easy-to-make Mexican minced casserole. However, a dedicated chicken nacho bake was conspicuously missing, despite being a regular in my own kitchen. Today, we’re rectifying that oversight with this fantastic recipe!

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Tex-Mex Chicken Nacho Casserole

Crafting this hearty and flavorful Chicken Nacho Casserole requires a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what you need, along with helpful tips and substitution ideas to make this recipe your own. Precise measurements are available in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

• Chicken Breast Fillet: We recommend slicing boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform cubes. Marinating them briefly in the spices before cooking ensures every piece is infused with delicious Mexican flavor.
  • **Substitution Tip:** For a different protein, you can easily use ground meat (like lean ground beef or turkey) or even plant-based vegetarian chicken cubes or crumbled tofu for a meatless version.
• Spices and Herbs: A blend of paprika powder, salt, chili powder, and ground nutmeg forms the aromatic backbone of this dish. These spices are easily adjustable, allowing you to tailor the Mexican flavor and heat level to your personal preference. Feel free to add a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, or dried oregano for an even deeper flavor profile.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans, trimmed and sliced into 1-inch (2 cm) pieces, add a lovely crunch and vibrant color.
  • **Freezer-Friendly Option:** Frozen green beans work beautifully as well – just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding.
  • **Important Note:** Avoid using canned green beans for this recipe. They tend to be very soft already and can easily become mushy during cooking, compromising the texture of the casserole.
  • **Veggie Swap:** Other great vegetable additions or substitutions include corn, black beans (rinsed and drained), or diced bell peppers.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce, adding moisture and essential vegetable goodness.
  • **Fresh vs. Canned:** While fresh tomatoes can be used, they are generally most flavorful when in season; otherwise, they can be watery. If using peeled whole canned tomatoes, be sure to chop them into smaller cubes for even distribution throughout the sauce.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient is key for the casserole’s delightful creamy texture and tangy notes. As it bakes, the sour cream gently warms and melds with the tomato sauce, creating a rich and inviting flavor.
  • **Alternative:** Crème fraîche makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar richness. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt, though its tanginess might be more pronounced.
• Nacho Chips and Tortillas: These form the signature crispy topping. You can choose classic nacho chips or regular tortilla chips, depending on your preference.
  • **Flavor Boost:** I personally enjoy using cheese-flavored nacho chips for an extra layer of cheesy goodness, but any plain tortilla chip will work wonderfully. The tortillas are specifically for cutting into decorative shapes if you choose the “Halloween style” option.
• Grated Cheese: A generous amount of grated cheese is essential for that irresistible bubbly, golden-brown topping.
  • **Cheese Choices:** Gouda and Gruyère are suggested for their excellent melting properties and rich flavor, but a Mexican blend, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack would also be fantastic.

First, preheat your oven to 430 °F (220 °C) or 390 °F (199 °C) if using a convection oven. Then, in a large skillet, heat a touch of oil over medium heat. Add your finely sliced onion and sauté for about three minutes, or until they become beautifully translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue to stir-fry for just one more minute, allowing its aroma to deepen.

While the aromatics are cooking, toss your cubed chicken breast with the mixed spices (paprika, salt, chili powder, and nutmeg) to ensure every piece is coated. Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet with the onions and garlic, and cook for approximately five minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once the chicken is done, pour in the diced tomatoes and add the green beans. Stir-fry this vibrant mixture for an additional four minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to soften slightly.

Once your chicken and vegetable mixture is cooked, carefully transfer the entire contents from the skillet into a suitable casserole dish. Spread it evenly to create a solid base for your nacho casserole. This ensures every bite will have a balanced amount of the hearty filling.

Next, spoon the sour cream evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Gently spread it out to form a creamy layer. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the sour cream. This initial layer of cheese will start melting into the creamy topping as it bakes. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to get bubbly.

After the initial bake, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Now it’s time to add the iconic nacho chips and your decorative tortilla shapes. Spread the nacho chips evenly over the creamy chicken and veggie mixture. If you’ve prepared themed cut-outs (like Halloween ghosts or skulls), arrange these artfully on top of the nacho chips. This step adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of crunch.

To complete the topping, sprinkle another generous layer of grated cheese over both the nacho chips and your decorative tortilla pieces. Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking at 430 °F (220 °C) for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the nacho chips are perfectly crisp. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the festive, flavorful experience!

Did you try this irresistible Mexican Chicken Nacho Casserole? We’d love to see your culinary creation! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I frequently share the most beautiful photos from my followers, and I can’t wait to see your take on this dish! Loved this recipe? Please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback helps fellow home cooks and supports my work immensely.

Need more inspiration for your next meal?

• Discover a wide range of video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest, so they’re always easy to find for your next cooking adventure!

Chicken Nacho Casserole

Andréa

More Delightful Casserole Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Mexican Chicken Nacho Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food – easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and packed with flavor. Here are a few more fantastic casserole recipes from my collection that I highly recommend you try: