| Beyond the usual burritos and tacos, traditional | | | | - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded |
| Mexican foods can be traced back to the ancient | | | | - 24 ounce package frozen corn |
| Aztecs who dined on an array of fruits and | | | | - 2 large cans chicken breast chunks in water, |
| vegetables combined with fish, meats and many | | | | drained |
| spices, and seasonings. Today, Mexican cuisine still | | | | - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed |
| varies greatly by region including the central, | | | | - 1 can refried beans |
| western, and southeastern sections of the | | | | - Salt and pepper to taste |
| country, the mountainous regions, the Oaxacan, | | | | How to Make It |
| and the Yucatan peninsula. | | | | Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Mexican food recipes are typically full of two of | | | | Allow the pie crusts to sit at room temperature |
| the most often used staples in Mexican cooking; | | | | while the oven is preheating to make them easier |
| corn and beans. Corn is prepared and eaten in | | | | to handle. |
| many ways and is a prime component in the | | | | In a large mixing bowl, combine the jars of salsa, |
| country's cuisine along with garlic and both green | | | | the cans of cream of chicken soup, the sour |
| and white onions. | | | | cream, the cheese, corn, chicken, and the beans |
| Along with corn and beans, peppers and rice are | | | | and mix well together. Add salt and pepper to |
| two of the other commonly used ingredients in | | | | taste. Pour the mixture into a large rectangular |
| traditional Mexican foods. Rice was first introduced | | | | baking dish. |
| to the residents of Mexican in the early 1500s | | | | Place the pie crusts on a lightly floured flat surface |
| after it was imported to Spain from Africa a few | | | | side by side overlapping each about 2 inches. |
| hundred years earlier. Spanish conquistadors | | | | Press the crusts together to seal and roll or form |
| invaded Mexico and brought along with them | | | | into a rectangular shape. Lay the pie crusts over |
| barley, rice, and wheat as well as many different | | | | top of the chicken mixture and trim any excess |
| spices. | | | | edges. Cut a few small slits in the top of the |
| You can fill your recipe box with your own tasty | | | | crust to allow steam to escape. |
| creations using the foods and flavorings of your | | | | Bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees or until |
| choice. Do not be afraid to experiment when it | | | | the crust has turned golden brown. Serve with |
| comes to Mexican foods as there are so many | | | | fresh salad. |
| variations you can try using a host of flavorful | | | | You can easily vary this recipe using different |
| ingredients. | | | | types of cheeses, substituting the refried beans |
| Simple Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe | | | | with pinto or more black beans, and by making |
| What You Need | | | | your own salsa using fresh vegetables. You can |
| - 2 refrigerated pie crusts | | | | also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into |
| - 24 ounces of your favorite chunky salsa | | | | pieces and stir fried before adding to the |
| - 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup | | | | casserole and baking in the oven. |
| - 1-1/2 cups sour cream | | | | |