Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that combines all the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting warmth of a casserole, you absolutely have to try this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe. This recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, creamy sour cream, and a perfect blend of cheeses, all layered with crunchy tortilla chips for that delightful texture. It’s the ideal meal for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together effortlessly. With every bite, you’ll get that familiar taco seasoning magic paired beautifully with gooey, melted cheese and a hint of fresh cilantro to brighten it all up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you; each ingredient here is straightforward yet essential, contributing unique flavors and textures that make this dish truly shine. From savory soups to spicy salsa and melty cheese, everything blends together for a harmonious taste experience.
- Cream of chicken soup (20.1 ounces): This creamy base keeps the casserole moist and richly flavored without extra fuss.
- Chunky-style salsa (1 cup): Adds a fresh, tangy zip with just the right mild heat—PACE Mild works wonderfully.
- Diced green chilies (4 ounces): A subtle kick that enhances the overall spices without overpowering the dish.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Brings cooling creaminess that balances the spicy elements perfectly.
- Chicken taco seasoning (0.85 ounce): This spice mix infuses the shredded chicken with that signature taco flavor we all love.
- Shredded white meat chicken (3 cups): Tender and hearty, this is the star protein that turns the recipe into a meal.
- Seasoned black beans (15 ounces, drained): Adds texture, fiber, and a subtle earthiness, plus it helps keep everyone full.
- Crushed tortilla chips (3 cups): The key to achieving that irresistible crunch layered throughout and on top.
- Colby Jack cheese (2 ½ cups, shredded): Melts beautifully, providing rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a mild, buttery note that complements the Colby Jack.
- Fresh cilantro (optional garnish): A fresh herbaceous pop that brightens every bite when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. While it warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Sauce and Filling
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream of chicken soup, chunky salsa, diced green chilies, sour cream, and chicken taco seasoning. This mixture creates a flavorful and creamy sauce base. Next, fold in the shredded chicken and drained seasoned black beans. The mixing ensures every bite bursts with those spicy, creamy, and hearty flavors balanced smoothly together.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread half of your delicious chicken and bean filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the first savory layer that will hold the casserole together wonderfully.
Step 4: Add Crunch with Tortilla Chips
Evenly sprinkle 2 ½ cups of crushed tortilla chips right over the filling. These chips will soak up some of the sauce while still providing that signature crunch that makes this dish so special.
Step 5: Add Remaining Filling
Spread the rest of the chicken taco filling on top of the tortilla chip layer. This layering technique keeps each bite exciting — alternating creamy and crunchy textures for a perfect mouthfeel.
Step 6: Top with Cheeses and Chips
Generously sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Follow with the remaining ½ cup of crushed tortilla chips for an extra crispy finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and just starting to turn golden at the edges. That beautiful golden top is a sure sign it’s ready to come out.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let it cool slightly and then garnish with some freshly chopped cilantro if you like a fresh herbal brightness. Serve immediately and watch how quickly this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe disappears from the plate.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is an obvious winner, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. You can also consider dollops of sour cream or sliced avocado on the side for extra creaminess and freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or simple Mexican rice complement this casserole perfectly, balancing the hearty, cheesy layers with vibrant veggies or fragrant grains. Refried beans are another classic side that stays in the taco family and keeps the meal feeling authentic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for portion-controlled servings. Or layer it a day ahead in glass dishes to show off the colorful layers before baking. It’s also great scooped onto colorful plates with extra chips on the side for that casual, inviting feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover chicken taco casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing any of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole as usual but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese melts again, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but the oven helps restore the crispy chip topping best.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time without sacrificing the deliciousness of the casserole.
What if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese? Can I use something else?
Yes, feel free to swap with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend. Just choose a cheese that melts well and has a nice flavor to keep the dish balanced.
Is this casserole spicy?
The recipe uses mild salsa and just a bit of green chilies, so it’s flavorful rather than fiery. You can always adjust the heat by picking mild, medium, or hot salsa or adding more chili to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with additional beans, corn, or a meat alternative, and make sure to use vegetarian cream of chicken soup or a suitable substitute.
What’s the best way to crush tortilla chips for this dish?
I recommend placing the chips in a sealed plastic bag and gently smashing them with your hands or a rolling pin. You want them crushed but not powdered to retain that crunch in layers.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe has a way of bringing people together at the table—simple enough for a busy night but flavorful enough to feel like a treat. Once you make it, it becomes a staple that everyone asks for again and again. Go ahead, give this one a try; I promise you’ll be hooked on its comforting, cheesy goodness in no time.
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Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a deliciously layered, cheesy baked dish that combines shredded chicken, seasoned black beans, crunchy tortilla chips, and a creamy taco-flavored sauce. Perfect for a family meal or casual gathering, it’s quick to assemble and packed with comforting Tex-Mex flavors accented by a blend of cheeses and optional fresh cilantro garnish.
Ingredients
Sauce and Filling
- 20.1 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chunky-style salsa (PACE Mild recommended)
- 4 ounces diced green chilies
- ½ cup sour cream
- 0.85 ounce chicken taco seasoning (Old El Paso recommended)
- 3 cups shredded white meat chicken
- 15 ounces seasoned black beans, drained (Bush’s recommended)
Assembly
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine Sauce and Filling: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the cream of chicken soup, chunky salsa, diced green chilies, sour cream, and chicken taco seasoning until smooth. Fold in the shredded chicken and drained seasoned black beans, mixing evenly to combine all ingredients.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the chicken taco filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating the first layer.
- Add Tortilla Chips: Evenly sprinkle 2 ½ cups of crushed tortilla chips over the first layer of filling to add crunch and texture.
- Second Filling Layer: Spread the remaining half of the chicken taco filling on top of the crushed tortilla chips to form the second layer.
- Top with Cheese and Chips: Generously top the casserole with shredded Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful chicken taco casserole.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use a medium or hot salsa instead of mild.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or refried beans for a different texture.
- To save time, prepare the filling mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate before assembling.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can enhance the heat level if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
