If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful crowd-pleaser that packs all the best taco vibes into one dish, this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with tender chicken, seasoned black beans, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s like a fiesta on your plate that comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole delivers comfort and excitement in every bite, making it a must-have recipe to add to your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here, just straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the creamy base, the spice-packed chicken, or the perfect cheese blend that melts to perfection.
- Cream of chicken soup (20.1 ounces): The velvety foundation giving the casserole its irresistible creaminess.
- Chunky-style salsa (1 cup): Adds a tangy, zesty kick—you can adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Diced green chilies (4 ounces): Little bursts of mild heat and vibrant color throughout.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Balances spice with cool, smooth richness.
- Chicken taco seasoning (0.85 ounce): The secret blend that infuses the chicken with classic taco flavor.
- Shredded white meat chicken (3 cups): Tender and protein-packed, the heart of this dish.
- Seasoned black beans (15 ounces, drained): Adds hearty texture and earthy flavor.
- Crushed tortilla chips (3 cups): Brings crunch and that unmistakable taco flair.
- Colby Jack cheese (2 ½ cups, shredded): Smooth, semi-soft cheese that melts beautifully.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Creamy and mild, rounding out the cheese blend perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro (optional garnish): Brightens the final dish with a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, give your 9×13 inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray, ensuring your casserole won’t stick and comes out perfectly clean after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base and Flavorings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chunky salsa, diced green chilies, sour cream, and chicken taco seasoning. This blend forms the luscious, flavorful sauce that ties every layer together.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Black Beans
Next, fold in the shredded white meat chicken and the drained seasoned black beans. These ingredients bring heartiness and the classic taco taste you crave.
Step 4: Construct the First Layer
Spread half of the chicken taco filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer sets the stage for the contrasting textures to follow.
Step 5: Add a Layer of Crunch
Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of crushed tortilla chips over the filling. These chips will soften slightly while still maintaining a delightful crunch after baking.
Step 6: Layer the Remaining Filling
Spread the remaining chicken and bean mixture over the tortilla chip layer, ensuring every bite has that creamy, seasoned goodness.
Step 7: Top with Cheese and More Chips
Generously sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole. Then, finish with the remaining ½ cup of crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible crunchy, cheesy topping.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and irresistibly melted. The kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma that hints at the deliciousness ahead.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the casserole if you like a bright, herbal pop. Serve immediately and watch smiles spread!
How to Serve Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic finish here, adding a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the rich cheese and creamy layers. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or guacamole can add a refreshing contrast. Rice and refried beans work well, too, if you want to keep the meal Mexican-inspired and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the casserole alongside crispy tortilla strips for added crunch on the side. For a fun twist, portion it into individual ramekins before baking—perfect for portion control and a sophisticated presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping the prepared dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works fine, but the oven gives a better texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great convenience and flavor, making the preparation even faster without sacrificing any deliciousness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply substitute the chicken with extra beans or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
What types of cheese work best in this casserole?
The recipe’s Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully and offer great flavor, but feel free to experiment with mild cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for similar results.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely! Swap the mild salsa for a medium or hot variety and add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
The prep time is quick—just about 5 minutes to mix everything together before baking for 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It balances creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures with bold, savory flavors that please every palate. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort food for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Give it a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a deliciously layered dish perfect for a family meal or casual gathering. Packed with shredded white meat chicken, seasoned black beans, and a creamy blend of cream of chicken soup, salsa, and taco seasoning, it’s topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melted Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses for a satisfying Tex-Mex flavor that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Casserole 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 preferred)
- 3 cups shredded white meat chicken
- 15 ounces seasoned black beans, drained (Bush’s brand suggested)
Toppings
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (divided)
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chunky salsa, diced green chilies, sour cream, and chicken taco seasoning. Stir well. Add shredded chicken and drained seasoned black beans, mixing thoroughly to create the filling.
- Layer the first filling: Spread half of the chicken taco filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the first layer.
- Add tortilla chip layer: Sprinkle 2 ½ cups of crushed tortilla chips uniformly over the initial filling layer to add a crunchy texture.
- Layer the remaining filling: Spread the remaining half of the chicken taco filling over the layer of crushed tortilla chips.
- Add cheese and chip topping: Top the casserole with shredded Colby Jack cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the 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 garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, use a hotter salsa or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- White meat chicken can be substituted with dark meat if preferred.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips and beans to make this casserole gluten-free.
- This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
