Description
Fiesta Chicken Bake is a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy black beans, sweet corn, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and melty cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. This simple and family-friendly dish delivers bold spices, vibrant colors, and comforting cheesy goodness—perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion craving a festive, fuss-free meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Seasonings & Others
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle taco seasoning generously on both sides to infuse bold Mexican-inspired flavors into the chicken.
- Combine the Filling: In a mixing bowl, stir together black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sour cream until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated for a balance of spice and smooth texture.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Evenly pour the prepared filling over the chicken breasts, spreading it out nicely. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a delicious, melty crust.
- Baking Time: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of fresh herbal flavor. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent juiciness.
- Leave space between chicken breasts in the baking dish to promote even heat circulation.
- Mix different shredded cheeses (like adding pepper jack or Parmesan) for enhanced flavor and texture.
- You can prepare the filling mixture ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for quicker assembly.
- Always verify chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Fiesta chicken bake, baked chicken, easy dinner, Mexican chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake, weeknight dinner, family-friendly dinner