Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty taco seasonings layered with crunchy corn chips and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole bakes to golden perfection with layers of savory ingredients and a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 15 ounces can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 10 ounces can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings & Base
- 3 cups crushed corn chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (about 3/4 bag), divided
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all ingredients together until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the crushed corn chips evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour and spread the chicken mixture evenly over the corn chips. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese evenly over the chicken layer. Top this with the remaining crushed corn chips, distributing them evenly to form a crunchy layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the taco seasoning and corn chips are certified gluten-free.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- To save time, you can omit the cream cheese and increase the cream of chicken soup for a lighter texture.
