Easy Chicken Taco Casserole (Dump-and-Bake!) Recipe
This Easy Chicken Taco Casserole is a quick and flavorful dump-and-bake dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a cheesy topping of crushed corn chips, it delivers all the classic taco flavors in a comforting casserole. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving six, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups fresh or frozen-defrosted corn)
- 1 (10 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 medium red bell pepper, small diced
- 3 cups cooked chicken, such as from a rotisserie chicken
Seasonings and Dairy
- 2 Tablespoons mild taco seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 ¼ cups Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 2 cups crushed corn chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Mix Ingredients: Grease a large 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In the dish, combine black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies, diced red bell pepper, mild taco seasoning, kosher salt, cooked chicken, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and ¾ cup of the Mexican cheese blend. Stir everything until well mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed corn chips evenly over the top, followed by the remaining ½ cup of Mexican cheese blend.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is browned.
- Set and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve. Add any desired toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist.
- Use fresh corn if available for added sweetness and texture.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, use hot taco seasoning instead of mild.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole pairs well with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.