This Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole is a delightful fusion of creamy chicken, zesty salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips, all enveloped in melted cheese. It’s a comforting dish that brings the flavors of a taco night into a convenient casserole form, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: Combines the savory taste of chicken with the zest of salsa and the richness of cheese.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite ingredients or to suit dietary preferences.
Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
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Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
20 oz cream of chicken soup
1 cup chunky salsa
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for garnish (optional)
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Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chunky salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced green chiles. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips. Pour half of the chicken mixture over the chips and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, chicken mixture, and cheese.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes if desired.
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Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more beans or a meat substitute.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for varied flavors.
Add Rice: Incorporate cooked rice into the chicken mixture for a heartier dish.
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Storage/Reheating
Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
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FAQs
What type of chicken works best for this casserole?
Cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat will work.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Incorporate spicy salsa, add chopped jalapeños, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives to cream of chicken soup.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
Serve with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice to complement the flavors.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be sautéed and added to the chicken mixture.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Ensure the tortilla chips are not overly crushed and avoid adding excessive liquid to the mixture.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese can be used, but note that the texture and flavor may slightly differ.
How long should I let the casserole rest before serving?
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
The Recipe Well
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the essence of taco night into a comforting casserole. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole is a crave-worthy, family-friendly dish layered with creamy salsa chicken, crunchy tortilla chips, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Mexican-inspired casserole is easy, hearty, and full of flavor
Ingredients
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20 oz cream of chicken soup (two 10 oz cans)
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1 cup chunky salsa
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3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1 tsp taco seasoning
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2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
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3 cups crushed tortilla chips
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1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
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Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, salsa, taco seasoning, and sour cream (if using) until combined.
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Stir in shredded chicken until well coated.
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Layer 1½ cups of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the dish.
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Spread half the chicken mixture over chips and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
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Repeat with remaining chips, chicken mixture, and cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
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Notes
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Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
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Spice it up with jalapeños or a spicier salsa.
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Great served with a dollop of guacamole or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
