Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great); 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups salsa; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided; 8 small flour or corn tortillas, torn into pieces; 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional); 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

October 15, 2024

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Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Chicken taco casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of tacos in a warm, cheesy casserole. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that can feed a crowd and is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With layers of seasoned chicken, tortillas, melted cheese, and other taco-inspired toppings, this casserole delivers all the goodness of a taco in every bite. Plus, it’s highly customizable—swap ingredients to suit your preferences or add more layers of flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Cook the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, you can easily cook the chicken at home. Simply boil or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them using two forks or your hands. If you want extra flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
Season the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and about 1/4 cup of water to help distribute the seasoning evenly.
Simmer: Let the chicken mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the flavors are well incorporated. Once the chicken is seasoned and heated through, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Casserole Layers

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
Prepare the Tortillas: Cut your tortillas into quarters or strips for easy layering. These will act as the “lasagna-style” layers in your casserole.
Prepare the Bean and Corn Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. You can also add a sprinkle of taco seasoning here if you want an extra punch of flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole

Layer the Bottom: Start by spreading a thin layer of salsa or enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent the tortillas from sticking and add extra flavor.
First Layer of Tortillas: Lay the tortilla quarters or strips on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
Add the Chicken Mixture: Spread half of the seasoned shredded chicken evenly over the tortillas.
Add the Bean and Corn Mixture: Spoon half of the black bean and corn mixture over the chicken layer.
Add Sour Cream and Cheese: Drop dollops of sour cream across the top of the bean mixture and spread it out as evenly as possible. Then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining chicken, bean mixture, sour cream, and cheese. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.

Step 4: Baking the Casserole

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together and the cheese to melt.
Remove the Foil: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut into neat pieces.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Garnish: Before serving, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping. You can also add diced avocado and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serve: Serve slices of the casserole with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce for extra flavor. Pair it with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Variations of Chicken Taco Casserole

One of the best things about chicken taco casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations you can try:

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1. Beef or Turkey Taco Casserole:

Instead of chicken, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground pork. Simply brown the meat in a skillet, season it with taco seasoning, and layer it in the casserole as you would the chicken.

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2. Vegetarian Taco Casserole:

Skip the meat altogether and load the casserole with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add more beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, for protein.

3. Creamy Chicken Taco Casserole:

Add creaminess by mixing a can of cream of chicken soup or a block of cream cheese into the chicken mixture before layering. This gives the casserole a rich and indulgent texture.

4. Spicy Chicken Taco Casserole:

Turn up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the chicken mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.

5. Low-Carb Chicken Taco Casserole:

To make this dish lower in carbs, use low-carb tortillas or swap them out entirely for layers of thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower. You can also reduce the amount of beans or omit the corn to cut down on carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken taco casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes and toppings. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

1. Side Dishes:

Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: A classic side that complements the bold flavors of the casserole.
Refried Beans: Creamy and delicious, they make a great accompaniment.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder.
Taco Salad: A crunchy salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla strips.

2. Toppings:

Guacamole: Fresh and creamy avocado dip that adds richness to the dish.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy and savory casserole.
Hot Sauce: For those who like their food extra spicy.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

Chicken taco casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers.

Freezing:

This casserole also freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

Reheating:

To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until hot.

Conclusion

Chicken taco casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a convenient, layered dish. It’s versatile, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or game day gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With layers of chicken, tortillas, beans, corn, and cheese, every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

The best part? It’s a one-dish meal that’s simple to make and perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.

Yield: 6