Chicken Taco Casserole (2024)

By: Mariam Ezzeddine|February 27, 2024This post may contain affiliate links, read my disclosure policy for details

This Chicken Taco Casserole recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with flavors and loaded with goodness. This recipe features tender chunks of chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and an irresistible blanket of gooey cheese. Plus, the addition of tortilla chips adds the perfect crunch to every bite!

If you are looking for a hassle-free dinner solution, this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe has got you covered. It’s loaded with shredded chicken, cheese and all of your favorite Mexican flavors. Best of all, this casserole recipe can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal planning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly. You can prepare this casserole in advance, saving you time on busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. It can also be frozen, making it a convenient option for meal prep and future dinners.
• It’s budget-friendly. With common pantry staples like canned beans and frozen corn, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.
• Kids love it. The cheesy goodness and familiar taco flavors make this recipe a hit with both kids and adults.

Taco Casserole Ingredients

For Chicken Casserole:

• Chicken: Shredded chicken is delicious in this casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or even leftover cooked chicken.
• Back Beans: Rinsed and drained black beans add protein and texture. Substitute with kidney beans if you don’t have black beans.
• Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. You can use green, yellow, or orange peppers as well.
• Corn: Frozen corn is convenient, but you can use fresh corn kernels or canned corn if you prefer.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess.
• Salsa: The salsa provides heat and a tangy kick. Choose mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your preference.
• Diced Green Chilies: These canned chilis add a mild heat and a smoky flavor. Omit them for less spiciness.
• Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy layer. You can substitute flavored chips or Doritos if desired.
• Cheese: We went with shredded Colby Jack cheese and Monterey Jack which are both mild, melty cheeses. Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese can be used as substitutes as can Pepper jack for a spicier kick.

For Topping:

• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes provide freshness and a burst of color. You can use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes as well.
• Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and a cool, buttery flavor.
• Jalapeno: Jalapeno slices add heat. Adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro lends a bright, fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley or green onions as an alternative.

How To Make Chicken Taco Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C and grease a casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the chicken mixture. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced bell pepper, corn, sour cream, salsa, diced green chilies and taco seasoning. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the casserole. Transfer half of the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Layer 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips over the chicken mixture. Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the tortilla chips then top with the remaining chips.

Step 4: Add the cheese. Generously sprinkle a mixture of Colby Jack cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole, ensuring it covers the top evenly.

Step 5: Bake and cool slightly. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and serve. Finally, top the casserole with diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, and chopped cilantro.

Recipe Tips

• Use Cooked Chicken: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack.
• Thaw the Corn: If using frozen corn, thaw before adding to the casserole.
• Drain Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are preferred for the topping.
• Layering Matters: Distribute ingredients evenly for a balanced bite in every spoonful.
• Add Toppings After Baking: Reserve the fresh toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, jalapeno, and cilantro for after baking. This ensures they stay fresh and vibrant.
• Crunchy Crown: Add crushed tortilla chips just before serving to keep them delightfully crunchy.

Additions and Substitutions

• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning and salsa to your preferred level of spiciness. If you like it hot, go for a spicier salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Customize Mixins and Toppings: Tailor it to your taste with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro, onions, black olives, pinto beans.
• Beef Taco Casserole: Swap chicken for ground beef or shredded beef for a meaty alternative.
• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and double up on beans for a flavorful vegetarian version.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Store any left overs in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat left overs in the oven at 350 F until heated through or in the microwave individual servings.

What to Serve with Chicken Taco Casseorle?

Serve with sides like a fresh green salad, refried beans, Mexican Rice, Guacamole, Mexican Street Corn or Salsa for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Mexican Inspired Recipes

• Mexican Streecorn Salad
• Grilled Pollo Asado
• Southwest Eggrolls
• Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad
• Chicken Quesadillas

It’s time to turn your dinner routine into a flavor-filled fiesta! Our Chicken Taco Casserole recipe is an easy, customizable, and downright delicious Tex-Mex creation that’s sure to become a family favorite.

If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima onFACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM|PINTERESTfor all of my latest social posts and recipes.