Chicken Taco Bake Casserole Recipe

This cheesy bubbly Chicken Taco Bake Casserole is made with shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and black beans, and ready in 40 minutes. Pulling the dish from the oven reveals melted cheese stretching as you scoop the first warm, layered portion. I rely on this easy meal when weeknights get busy.

Why This Classic Works

I originally thought layering tortillas would just result in a soggy mess at the bottom of the dish. I quickly discovered that baking the casserole uncovered gives the top layer a satisfying crunch.

Using pre-cooked shredded chicken cuts the prep time significantly for this dinner. It makes the assembly so fast that I barely have time to clean up before it is done.

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Chicken Taco Bake Casserole Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 8 flour tortillas (6-inch)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make Chicken Taco Bake Casserole

1. Prepare the filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, and frozen corn until well combined.
2. Layer the base: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cut the tortillas in half and arrange a single layer covering the bottom.
3. Add chicken mixture: Spread half of the chicken and bean filling evenly over the bottom layer of tortillas. Sprinkle with half a cup of shredded cheese.
4. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and finally top with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the tortillas turn golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Drain beans well: Rinsing and thoroughly draining the black beans stops excess liquid from making the bottom layer soggy.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Grabbing a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds deep flavor without extra cooking steps.
• Watch the cheese: If the top layer of cheese begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.

What To Serve With Chicken Taco Bake Casserole

Serve this hearty bake with a crisp romaine side salad dressed in cilantro lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A bowl of homemade guacamole and sour cream on the side lets everyone customize their plates.

How To Store

Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze unbaked portions tightly wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead?

Yes, corn tortillas work great and add a stronger corn flavor. They might soften a bit more than flour tortillas during baking.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

You can build the layers up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends entirely on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. Pick mild versions if you are cooking for children or prefer less heat.

Nutrition

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g
• Protein: 32g

Try More Recipes:

• Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken Bake Recipe
• Spinach Dip Chicken Bake Recipe
• Creamy French Onion Dip Chicken