These hearty Tex-Mex flavors come together in a casserole that combines the comforting embrace of cornbread with the excitement of spices and salsa. You can make this family-friendly dish in just 45 minutes, serving up to eight hungry bellies with a delightful crunch and a zesty ranch drizzle to elevate each bite.
Picture this: It’s a cozy weeknight, and everyone is gathered around the kitchen table , laughter and chatter fill the air as the aroma of a bubbly, cheesy casserole wafts through the home. That’s the magic of the Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole with Spicy Ranch Drizzle. Trust me, this dish has a way of making every family meal feel special, reminding us that the best moments come from sharing good food and laughter.
Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
A hearty Tex-Mex casserole featuring cornbread, shredded chicken, and zesty toppings for a family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 2 8.5-ounce boxes cornbread muffin mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 15-ounce jar salsa, mild or medium
- 1 12-ounce bag of frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lightly crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips
- 1 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch glass bake dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread muffin mix with chicken broth until well mixed. Spread the cornbread mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
- Bake this layer in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Once done, layer the shredded chicken over the cornbread, then dot with salsa and sprinkle thawed corn evenly on top. Add a generous layer of shredded cheese.
- Return the casserole to the oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the bottom crust is golden brown.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips, sliced olives, and chopped green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with hot sauce and drizzle over the entire casserole before serving.
- Cut into 6 or 8 rectangles to serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why You’ll Love This Tex-Mex Delight
This Crunchy Tex-Mex Casserole is not only bursting with flavors but also packed with freshness. It uses shredded rotisserie chicken, making it quick to assemble, and the golden cornbread base gives it a delightful texture that everyone will love. Plus, the combination of salsa and ranch dressing offers an incredible kick that turns an ordinary dinner into a fiesta!
How to Whip Up This Flavorful Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 8.5-ounce boxes cornbread muffin mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 15-ounce jar salsa, mild or medium
- 1 12-ounce bag of frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lightly crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips
- 1 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
Directions:
Gather the ingredients to get started. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch glass bake dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread muffin mix with chicken broth until well mixed. Spread the cornbread mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish.
Bake this layer in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to get that perfect crust.
Once done, take it out and layer the shredded chicken over the cornbread. Dot the chicken with the salsa and sprinkle the thawed corn evenly on top. Next, add a generous layer of shredded cheese.
Return the casserole to the oven for another 15 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and the bottom crust is golden brown. When it’s just right, remove it from the oven and top with crushed tortilla chips, sliced olives, and chopped green onions.
In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing with hot sauce. Drizzle this spicy creation over the entire casserole for that extra zing!
Cut it into 6 or 8 rectangles to serve, and watch it vanish from the table!
Serving This Tex-Mex Casserole
For a delightful serving suggestion, enjoy it with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the combination of flavors, and don’t be surprised if you hear requests for this meal more often!
Storing Your Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through.
Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole
- Use a mix of cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra cheesy and spicy kick.
- Add black beans for additional protein and fiber.
- Feel free to play with the spice levels by adjusting the hot sauce to your preference!
Variations to Try
Switch up the flavor profile by using barbecue sauce instead of salsa for a smoky barbecue chicken casserole, or throw in a variety of bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred fresh chicken breast or thighs beforehand, and it will work wonderfully.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it well and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw and bake as directed.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Of course! Substitute shredded chicken with black beans or quinoa, and you can enjoy a delicious, meat-free version that everyone will love.
Now that you have this easy, family-friendly recipe at hand, gather your loved ones and create memorable meals together that will keep everyone smiling long after the last bite!