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Easy Taco Chicken Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Easy Taco Chicken Casserole for Busy Weeknights

A hearty layered casserole made with shredded chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, corn, tortilla chips, sour cream, and melted Mexican-blend cheese. It is an easy six-serving dinner ready in about 40 to 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 3 cups Cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 1-ounce packet Taco seasoning
  • 1 cup Chunky salsa
  • 1 15-ounce can Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can Whole-kernel corn, drained
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 6 ounces Tortilla chips, lightly crushed
  • 2 cups Mexican-blend or cheddar-jack cheese, shredded
Optional Garnishes
  • 1/2 cup Sliced black olives or chopped green onions
For the Dish
  • as needed Cooking spray or oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, chunky salsa, drained black beans, drained corn, and sour cream if using. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with about half of the shredded cheese.
  4. Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken mixture and cheese. Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, or reserve most of them for the final few minutes if you prefer a crunchier topping.
  5. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the layers can settle. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, black olives, or additional salsa.

Notes

Drain the beans and corn thoroughly and use thick salsa to prevent a watery casserole. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works well. For a richer filling, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese instead of the sour cream.