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
Scale
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
