Delicious Chicken Taco Casserole topped with cheese and garnished with cilantro

Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Chicken Taco Casserole is a great dish for families or gatherings. It’s tasty, filling, and easy to make. This dish combines all your favorite taco flavors in a cozy casserole format. Plus, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, which saves time in the kitchen. The result is a hearty meal that everyone will love and enjoy.

how to make Chicken Taco Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins (cooked and diced; chicken breast or rotisserie chicken also fine)
  • 1 can black beans (14.5 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 small white onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • ½ packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 2 tbsp green onions (diced)
  • Cooking spray
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado slices
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Tortilla chips
  • Salsa

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Strain and rinse the black beans. Dice the peppers and onions using a vegetable chopper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, sour cream, lime juice, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Stir with a rubber spatula and fold in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour in the black beans, diced peppers, and diced onions. Mix to combine.
  5. Spread the chicken and sour cream mixture evenly over the black bean and vegetable base. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and garnish with green onions.
  6. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Serve with dollops of sour cream, fresh avocado slices, jalapeño slices, and crumbled tortilla chips. Enjoy!

how to serve Chicken Taco Casserole

Serve the Chicken Taco Casserole hot from the oven. Set out bowls of sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeño slices, and tortilla chips on the side. This way, everyone can add their favorite toppings to their portion. Pair it with salsa for extra flavor if you like!

how to store Chicken Taco Casserole

To store leftover Chicken Taco Casserole, let it cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

tips to make Chicken Taco Casserole

  • For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
  • Swap in different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables like corn or zucchini to the mix for extra nutrition.

variation (if any)

You can easily make a vegetarian version of this recipe. Just leave out the chicken and add extra beans or veggies. You can also use quinoa or lentils as a protein substitute.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and keep it in the fridge overnight before baking. Just allow extra baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.

2. What can I serve with Chicken Taco Casserole?
This casserole is great on its own but can also be paired with a side salad, corn, or rice for a more complete meal.

3. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes! Canned chicken works well for this recipe and can save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding.