Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Taco Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that combines all your favorite taco flavors in one comforting bake. It’s loaded with seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and cheese for a family-friendly meal that comes together quickly. Serve it with a side of Cornbread Casserole Recipe Easy for a complete dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

This Chicken Taco Casserole delivers layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch and bold taco flavor in every bite.

• 4 cups shredded cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) of taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (16 ounces) of refried beans
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Chicken Taco Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with 1 packet of taco seasoning, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. For extra flavor, let the seasoned chicken rest for 10 minutes before cooking.

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks.

Step 2 — Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté 1 diced onion and 1 chopped bell pepper until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.

For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper. The vegetables should be tender but still slightly crisp to add texture to your Chicken Taco Casserole.

Step 3 — Combine Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned), and 1 cup of your favorite salsa.

Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if desired.

Step 4 — Layer the Casserole

Spread 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a crispy base that absorbs moisture during baking.

Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the chips, then top with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, the remaining chicken mixture, and another cup of cheese.

Step 5 — Add Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top layer, then add optional toppings like sliced black olives or chopped green onions for color and flavor.

For a golden, bubbly finish, lightly spray the top with cooking spray before baking. This helps the cheese brown evenly.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly browned edges.

The casserole is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are bubbling. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your Chicken Taco Casserole with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve directly from the baking dish for easy cleanup.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	18g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground Turkey — A leaner protein choice that maintains the savory taco flavor profile.
• Cauliflower Rice — A low-carb alternative to traditional rice that absorbs taco seasonings well.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Perfect for lactose intolerance while still providing a melty, creamy texture.
• Corn Tortillas — A gluten-free option that adds authentic flavor and a pleasant texture.
• Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning — Reduces salt intake without sacrificing the classic taco taste.
• Black Beans — A plant-based protein alternative that adds fiber and heartiness to the casserole.
• Greek Yogurt — A protein-rich, lower-fat substitute for sour cream as a topping.
• Zucchini Slices — A low-carb vegetable layer that adds moisture and nutrients to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy contrast.
• Pair with a simple side salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.
• Serve alongside Mexican-style rice and warm, soft flour tortillas for a complete and satisfying fiesta meal.
• Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings where easy, crowd-pleasing food is a must.
• For a fun, interactive twist, set up a topping bar with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and shredded cheese.
• Plate individual portions in shallow bowls to contain all the delicious, saucy layers and make for easy eating.

This Chicken Taco Casserole is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for both busy family meals and entertaining guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw chicken directly in the casserole. Fix: Always pre-cook and season your chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked and flavorful.
• Mistake: Overloading with wet ingredients like salsa. Fix: Drain excess liquid from canned goods and use thicker salsas to prevent a soggy Chicken Taco Casserole.
• Mistake: Skipping the spice blend for the chicken. Fix: Create a homemade taco seasoning to coat the chicken for a more authentic, robust flavor.
• Mistake: Not layering ingredients properly. Fix: Start with a base of tortillas or chips to create a barrier that absorbs moisture without becoming mushy.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheese that doesn’t melt well. Fix: Opt for full-fat, good-melting cheeses like cheddar or a Mexican blend for the best texture.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for the first part of baking to melt cheese evenly, then uncover to brown the top.
• Mistake: Forgetting to let the casserole rest. Fix: Allow your Chicken Taco Casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking so the layers set for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Using stale or soft tortilla chips. Fix: Use sturdy, slightly stale tortilla chips or lightly toast fresh ones to maintain a pleasant crunch.
• Mistake: Neglecting to taste the filling before assembling. Fix: Always season and taste your chicken and bean mixture and adjust spices before the final bake.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Taco Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover and reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Chicken Taco Casserole is reheated to a safe temperature.

Conclusion

This easy Chicken Taco Casserole is a guaranteed family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For more simple dinners, check out our Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Chicken Taco Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Chicken Taco Casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What are the best toppings for Chicken Taco Casserole?

Fresh toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice are excellent additions. They add a fresh, cool contrast to the warm, cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole and enhance the overall flavor.

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken in this casserole?

Absolutely. You can substitute an equal amount of cooked and seasoned ground beef for the chicken. The cooking method remains the same, making it an easy way to customize your Chicken Taco Casserole to your family’s preferences.