Description
Mexican-inspired chicken taco casserole delivers a hearty one-pan meal packed with zesty flavors and cheesy goodness. Layers of tortillas, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese create a comforting dinner you will devour with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (680 g) shredded chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 2 cups (226 g) Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) corn kernels, thawed
- 1 cup (240 mL) salsa
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- Cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream
- Avocado, diced
- Green onions, chopped
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, and salsa in a large mixing bowl, creating a robust and well-integrated filling.
- First Layer Construction: Arrange a base of tortilla quarters across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation for the casserole.
- Initial Layering: Spread half of the seasoned chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese to ensure complete coverage.
- Final Assembly: Top with remaining tortilla pieces, pour the rest of the chicken mixture, and complete with a final generous layer of cheese.
- Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking until cheese melts and surface becomes golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and serve alongside sour cream, diced avocado, and green onion slivers for a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Customize Chicken Texture: Shred chicken using two forks for uniform, tender pieces that blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
- Balance Moisture Levels: Drain canned beans and corn thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making casserole soggy.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast taco seasoning briefly in a dry pan before mixing to intensify spice profile and release aromatic compounds.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free alternatives or use cauliflower rice base for low-carb version; replace chicken with black beans or tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg