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Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole
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Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, mild taco seasoning, melty cheeses, black beans, corn, and creamy elements in a quick and easy baked casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, it delivers a comforting taste of classic Mexican flavors with minimal effort and is easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or cooked breasts/thighs)

Seasoning & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (mild blend with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup diced green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (softened)

Others

  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips
  • Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Chicken: Shred or dice cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Toss the chicken with the taco seasoning to evenly coat and infuse flavor right from the start.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This forms the key flavor foundation for the casserole.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the seasoned chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, black beans, corn, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir in sour cream or cream cheese until well combined and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and garlic for the best flavor.
  • Do not overbake to keep the cheese melty and prevent drying out.
  • Season each ingredient separately to maximize flavor depth.
  • Add tortilla chips just before baking to preserve their crunchiness.
  • You can double the recipe to feed a larger group or freeze for future meals.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver without sacrificing taste.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla chips and confirm taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, taco casserole, easy weeknight dinner, family dinner, baked chicken casserole, Mexican casserole, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cheesy-chicken-taco-casserole/