Name: Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken tenderloins (cooked and diced); 1 can Black beans (14.5 oz); 1 can diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz); 1 small White onion; 1 Red bell pepper; ½ packet Taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 cup Sour cream; 1 Lime (juiced); 2 tbsp Green onions (diced); Cooking spray; Sour cream; Avocado slices; Jalapeño slices; Tortilla chips; Salsa

Jump to Recipe

Bring the bold, lively flavors of a Mexican fiesta to your kitchen with this irresistible Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe! Layers of juicy chicken, creamy sour cream, zesty taco seasoning, vibrant veggies, and oozy cheddar come together for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a twist on taco night, this dish delivers big on flavor, texture, and those little surprises that keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe such a standout is how simple each ingredient is — and how key each one is in building layers of taste, texture, and color. You don’t need a mile-long shopping list, just a handful of staples that work together for a fiesta in a pan.

Chicken tenderloins: Already cooked and diced, these give the casserole its heartiness; chicken breast or rotisserie chicken makes for an easy shortcut.
Black beans: Rinsed and strained, they add creaminess, fiber, and earthiness that balances the zestier flavors.
Diced tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes brings juicy sweetness and the perfect amount of acidity.
White onion: Just one small onion, diced up, gives that gentle bite and savory foundation.
Red bell pepper: For a pop of color and that signature sweet, crisp crunch in every bite.
Taco seasoning: Half a packet is just the right amount for classic taco flavor without overpowering the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheesy goodness woven throughout and melted on top for that irresistible golden finish.
Sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess and a cool tang that mellows out the spices.
Lime (juiced): A bright squeeze of lime juice brings everything to life and adds a burst of freshness.
Green onions: Diced and sprinkled at the end, green onions add color and a gentle bite.
Cooking spray: Makes sure nothing sticks and getting every last bite out of the pan is a breeze.
Sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeño slices, tortilla chips, salsa: All the best fixings for layering on even more flavor and texture at the table.

How to Make Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by setting the scene for a delicious bake! Crank your oven up to 350°F to warm it while you prep. Trust me, getting the oven nice and hot means that golden, bubbly cheese will form right on time. While it’s heating, set out all your ingredients — it’ll make assembling the casserole a breeze.

Step 2: Get the Beans and Veggies Ready

Open up your can of black beans, then give them a good rinse and drain. This not only improves the texture, but it tames the extra sodium so the flavors shine. Chop the white onion and red bell pepper into small pieces using a vegetable chopper or sharp knife. That way, you’ll get a little bit of veggie goodness in every forkful.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked, diced chicken with sour cream, fresh lime juice, diced tomatoes, and that taco seasoning. Give it all a good stir with a rubber spatula, then gently fold in half a cup of your shredded cheddar. This creamy, tangy, cheesy mixture is what gives the Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe its out-of-this-world flavor.

Step 4: Build the Base

Give a 9×13 inch casserole dish a quick mist of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the black beans, then layer in your diced red peppers and onions. Use a spoon or spatula to give everything a quick toss so those base flavors can mingle and roast together while baking.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Spread your creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bean and veggie layer. Smooth it to the edges so every bite gets some of that glorious filling. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top, and finish with a handful of green onions for freshness and color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 28-30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese on top and piping hot layers beneath. The smell alone will have everyone lurking in your kitchen, so keep an eye out and try not to sneak a bite too early!

Step 7: Finish with the Best Toppings

Once the Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe is out of the oven, go wild with your favorite toppings. Dollops of sour cream, slices of creamy avocado, rings of jalapeño for heat, a generous handful of crumbled tortilla chips, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa make each serving unique and mouthwatering.

How to Serve Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on the toppings! Classic garnishes for the Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe include extra sour cream, buttery avocado slices, thinly sliced jalapeños, and a scatter of fresh green onions. Add a fistful of crumbled tortilla chips for crunch and a spoonful of bold salsa for extra zest. Everyone can customize their own plate!

Side Dishes

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette, or keep the Tex-Mex spirit alive with cilantro-lime rice or Mexican street corn. Slices of juicy watermelon or a bowl of pico de gallo make perfect, refreshing sides. For parties, a bowl of guacamole with plenty of extra chips is a never-fail complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe a fun twist by serving it in individual ramekins for personal portions, or spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, party-ready version. For potlucks, keep it hot in a slow cooker with a “taco bar” of toppings on the side, so everyone can assemble their own creation. The possibilities are as creative as your cravings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe in a tightly sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually melt together even more overnight, so enjoy a super-tasty second helping for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze the Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe! Once cooled completely, transfer portions or the whole casserole to a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly. It will stay delicious for up to two months — just label it with the date so you remember when the next taco night is only a thaw away.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave until piping hot, or warm a larger portion in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil. This keeps everything moist and ensures that dreamy cheese gets melty again. Don’t forget to add fresh garnishes once it’s hot!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a delicious, timesaving alternative. Simply shred it and mix in just as you would with the cooked chicken tenderloins. It’s especially handy for quick weeknight dinners.

Is the Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe spicy?

The spice level in this casserole is really up to what taco seasoning you choose and how many jalapeños you pile on at the end. As written, it’s mild, family-friendly, and gets most of its flavor from the blend of seasonings and the tangy cheddar.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just bake according to the directions, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What substitutions can I make?

Feel free to swap in kidney beans for black beans, use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, or try Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter touch. The Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe is super flexible for accommodating tastes or dietary preferences.

Can I add rice or tortillas?

Definitely! You can fold cooked rice into the veggie layer or scatter some crushed tortilla chips between layers for extra crunch. Both add a hearty twist and soak up all those delicious juices.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s always a hit and never boring, you owe it to yourself to make the Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe. It’s fuss-free, hearty, and brimming with fun flavors — the kind of cozy, shareable meal that turns a simple night at home into a party. Give it a try and watch everyone gather around for just one more scoop!

Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of tacos in a comforting casserole with this Chicken Taco Casserole recipe. Layers of black beans, diced peppers, onions, and a zesty chicken mixture, baked with cheddar cheese until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with creamy sour cream, fresh avocado, spicy jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Prepare Ingredients: Strain and rinse the black beans. Dice the peppers and onions.
Mix Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine chicken, sour cream, lime juice, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Fold in ½ cup cheddar.
Assemble Casserole: Spray casserole dish, add black beans, peppers, onions. Top with chicken mixture and remaining cheddar.
Bake: Bake for 28-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Top with sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Notes

This casserole can be customized with additional toppings like sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.
Feel free to use leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican