Name: Chicken Taco Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup salsa; 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Chicken Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory taco seasoning, and a cheesy topping, all baked together in a comforting casserole. It’s the perfect option for a family meal or a casual dinner, with all the great flavors of tacos in a convenient, easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, diced

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup sour cream

½ cup salsa

8 corn tortillas, cut into strips

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the cooked chicken, sour cream, and salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, followed by half of the chicken mixture, and then half of the shredded cheeses. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Option: You can easily turn this into a vegetarian casserole by substituting the chicken with extra beans (such as pinto beans or kidney beans) or vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Spicy Kick: If you like things a little spicier, feel free to add jalapeños or extra chili powder to the chicken mixture for an added punch.

Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the corn tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or another gluten-free alternative.

Add Some Greens: I love adding some fresh spinach or kale to the casserole for extra greens. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables!

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate.

Freezing: If you’d like to freeze this dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, I recommend baking it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, it will take a little longer, about 30-40 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breast?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly in this casserole. Just cook it in the skillet until browned and fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just pop it in the oven to bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap the cheddar and mozzarella with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other cheese that melts well.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn can be used instead of frozen corn. Just make sure it’s cooked and cut off the cob before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños, a bit of hot sauce, or a spicy salsa to the casserole mix.

Conclusion

This Chicken Taco Casserole is a true winner in my book. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends. The layers of savory chicken, beans, corn, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips create a satisfying, comforting dish that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you're making it for dinner tonight or preparing it ahead of time for a busy week, it's a recipe that’s sure to please.

Recipe:

Chicken Taco Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Taco Casserole combines all the bold flavors of tacos into one easy-to-make dish. Juicy chicken, savory taco seasoning, gooey melted cheese, and a crunchy tortilla layer come together for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole is a breeze to make and full of comforting flavors. Serve it up for an unforgettable meal everyone will love!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in cooked chicken, sour cream, and salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, followed by half of the chicken mixture, then half of the shredded cheeses. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.