Name: Chicken Taco Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Ground Chicken; 1 package Taco Seasoning; 1 cup Water; 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (undrained); 1 cup Sour Cream; 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Let’s talk comfort food. What is the best comfort food that can be prepared in less than an hour? Practically begs to be devoured. What is my go-to drug?What is Chicken Taco casserole?. Forget tacos on Tuesday, this casserole is where it’s at! If you love the ease of lasagna, but crave the zesty kick of Mexican flavors, then get ready to make a great meal. Meet your new best friend. This recipe is ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. What are some of the best ways to make dinner a regular in your life? My own family requests it so often, I’ve started keeping the ingredients on hand just in case!

What is a chicken taco casserole?

Think of a Chicken taco Casserole Recipe.As a deconstructed taco, baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. What’s essentially layers of seasoned chicken, your favorite taco toppings, and plenty of cheese all rolled up in a tortilla. How do I bake everything together in a casserole dish? What are some easy tacos to make? What is chicken tacos in casserole form? I’ve tried several versions over the years, and this one is my absolute favorite because it’s easy to use. I’m flexible, forgiving, and uses ingredients I usually have on hand.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? The flavor is just out of this world. What is a taco seasoning? What is the baking process What are the layers of cheesy goodness that seal everything together and create this creamy, savory, spicy dream.
What I love the most about this food is the taste.chicken taco casseroleIs this a lifesaver on busy weekends? Is it safe to bake a pizza in the oven? No babysitting required!
What are some of the best recipes for a budget friendly meal? What are some of the best ground chicken recipes? What do you already have in your pantry? What is the best way to use rotisserie chicken? What are some good ways to add veggies to your diet? What are some good recipes that can be made to suit your taste?
What reminds me of a Mexican dip? What are some of the best flavors in this casserole? My husband loves that it’s hearty and filling, and my kids love that its like pizza… What are the best taco flavors? What makes this particular chicken taco casserole special is that it is saucy and flavorful.

How do I make a chicken taco casserole?

Quick Overview

This chicken taco casseroleWhat is the best way to cook chicken? What’s your favorite chicken mixture? Then, we’ll make a base layer of tortilla chips, followed by the chicken. What are taco toppings? We’ll repeat the layers, bake it until bubbly and golden brown, and serve it up with your favorite drink. What are your favorite taco fixings Is it easier than it sounds? What is the best part about customization?

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture:
* 1 pound ground chicken (you could also use Shredded Chicken).
* 1 packet taco seasoning (I use low-sodium)
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel), undrained.

For the Casserole:
* 1 bag tortilla chips (about 10 ounces)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, green onions.

What are the steps required

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is important so your casserole doesn’t stick! I usually just use a little cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chicken. Drain off any excess grease. What is the best way to break up chicken as it cooks?

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chiles. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat the layers: tortilla chips, remaining chicken mixture, and remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Is it safe to bake cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes? How do you keep an eye on cheese so it doesn’t burn? Every oven is different, so start checking around 20 minutes.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape better. Top with your favorite taco toppings, like Sour Cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro. Dig in!

5. What to Serve It With

What to Serve It With

This What is chicken taco casserole?Is a complete meal on its own?

For a Light Meal:What’s a good side salad with lime vinaigrette?

For a Fiesta: Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete Mexican feast.

As an Appetizer: WhatCut the casserole into small squares and serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like salsa, or any other. What is the difference between gua

For a Crowd: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, and let everyone customize their own portion of the casserole.
My personal family tradition is to make this on Friday nights and watch a movie. It’s the perfect comfort food for a relaxing evening. My husband loves it with a cold beer, and the kids love it with a tall glass of milk.

How do I make a perfect chicken taco casserole?

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure you are using a large enough baking dish. If the casserole is too crowded, it will take longer to cook and the cheese may not melt evenly.

Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your casserole. I always use fresh cheese and good quality taco seasoning.

Customize Your Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Some of my favorites include black olives, jalapenos, and pico de gallo.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken. It tastes just as good!

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a spicy taco seasoning.

Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Cheese, Please! Don’t skimp on the cheese! The cheese is what brings everything together and makes the casserole so delicious. I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

I learned early on that layering the chips really well is key to preventing a soggy casserole. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. I once added pineapple salsa and it was a surprisingly delicious twist!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this chicken taco casserole at room temperature for more than two hours, as it contains dairy and meat.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well!

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. I like to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating.

The key to successful storage is preventing freezer burn. Make sure to wrap it really well! I also like to portion it out before freezing, so I can easily grab a single serving for lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chicken with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I use a different type of tortilla chip?

Yes, you can use any type of tortilla chip you like! I prefer using regular tortilla chips, but you can also use flavored chips like lime or ranch for a fun twist.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just saute them before adding them to the chicken mixture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve this with?

This chicken taco casserole is delicious served with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and green onions. You can also serve it with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite chicken taco casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this casserole is sure to satisfy. It’s honestly such a comforting and versatile dish. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my layered Mexican dip or my cheesy enchilada casserole. Both offer similar flavors and are equally easy to make. Now go ahead, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!