- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, salsa, diced green chilies, sour cream, and chicken taco seasoning until smooth.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Fold in the shredded chicken and black beans until evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the chicken mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining chips and chicken mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra salsa, sour cream, or chopped cilantro if desired.
Serving and Storage
Serve the chicken taco casserole warm as a main dish alongside a fresh salad, rice, or tortilla chips for added texture. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well: portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips
- Use cooked, shredded chicken for convenience—rotisserie chicken works great.
- For extra crunch, add tortilla chips just before serving instead of baking them.
- Adjust spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa.
- Mix cheeses for a gooey, melty topping; feel free to add pepper jack for extra kick.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Chicken Taco Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings the best of taco night to a convenient, baked format. With layers of tender chicken, zesty sauce, beans, tortilla chips, and melty cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this casserole a go-to recipe for any busy cook.
FAQ
Can I use canned or fresh chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or cooked, shredded chicken works perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make it spicier?
Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Can I use different beans?
Yes, black beans, pinto beans, or a mix work well.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
