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Fiesta Chicken Bake

Fiesta Chicken Bake
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Fiesta Chicken Bake is a flavorful, cheesy, and zesty one-dish meal that combines juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, sour cream, and a melty Mexican cheese blend. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make bake offers a bold taste with minimal cleanup and customizable options for different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Dairy

  • 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded and divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, chop the bell peppers, and slice the green onions. This prep step ensures smooth assembly and even baking.
  2. Season and Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, toss the chicken with the taco seasoning. Sear it lightly until it’s just cooked through—this locks in juices and creates an extra layer of flavor before baking.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seared chicken, diced bell peppers, rinsed and drained black beans, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining cheese. This top layer will melt into a bubbly golden blanket that’s irresistible.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear just until cooked; the bake will finish it off without drying it out.
  • Use full-fat sour cream: It adds richness that balances the spices better than low-fat versions.
  • Drain beans well: Excess moisture can make the bake watery, so rinse and drain black beans thoroughly.
  • Prep ahead: Mix all components the night before and bake when ready to save time.
  • Garnish boldly: Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can elevate the flavor even more.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fiesta Chicken Bake, cheesy chicken casserole, Mexican chicken bake, easy chicken bake, one-dish chicken recipe, family dinner, gluten-free chicken bake, taco seasoned chicken casserole

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/fiesta-chicken-bake/