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To make a tasty Chicken Taco Casserole, you need some simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can corn, drained - 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 packet taco seasoning - 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup sour cream - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor. The ground chicken is the star, bringing protein and heartiness. The olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, giving a savory base. The black beans and corn add texture and fiber. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a nice kick. Taco seasoning ties it all together with bold spices. I love using crushed tortilla chips for crunch. They give a great contrast to the soft layers of chicken and cheese. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully, making it creamy and rich. Finally, the sour cream, avocado, and cilantro provide freshness and color on top. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to start creating a delicious and satisfying dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. - Next, add 2 cloves minced garlic and stir for 1 minute. - Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. - Cook until the chicken is browned, about 7-10 minutes. - Break the chicken apart as it cooks. - Stir in 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, and 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies. - Add 1 packet taco seasoning and mix well. - Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. - In a large casserole dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. - Spread half of the chicken mixture on top of the chips. - Top with half of the shredded cheese, about 1 cup. - Repeat the layering with the remaining tortilla chips, chicken mixture, and cheese. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. - Look for bubbly and slightly golden cheese. - Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. - Drizzle with sour cream, and add diced avocado and fresh cilantro before serving. To make your Chicken Taco Casserole just right, adjust the taco seasoning to fit your taste. If you love spice, add some diced jalapeños or other peppers. They will give your dish a nice kick. You can mix in the jalapeños when you cook the chicken. This adds heat and flavor to the mix. Garnishing your casserole makes it look great. Use fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright touch. These simple additions make your dish pop. Serve it with sides like sour cream or salsa. This way, everyone can add their own favorite toppings. If you want to save time, you can cook the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. For best results, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave. This keeps the cheese nice and gooey. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor profile of your casserole. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add fresh jalapeños to suit your spice preference. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook. Perfect Cheese Melt: For an extra gooey texture, mix different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack with cheddar. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Ground turkey or beef works great. If you want a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. You can also add veggies to the mix. Bell peppers and zucchini add color and flavor. Just chop them small so they blend in well. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free tortilla chips. They still give that nice crunch. If you want a dairy-free dish, swap the cheese with dairy-free alternatives. There are many good options out there now, and they melt nicely. This casserole is fun to serve in different ways. You can scoop it out as a dip with tortilla chips. It’s always a hit at parties! Another way is to layer it in a burrito bowl. Just add rice and your favorite toppings for a full meal. To keep your Chicken Taco Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This dish stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to save it for longer, freeze portions. Use a freezer-safe container and wrap it tightly. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat your casserole to enjoy it again. You can use the oven or microwave for this. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. This keeps the texture and flavor just right. Chicken Taco Casserole can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. Make sure to cool it first before putting it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Yes, you can freeze Chicken Taco Casserole. I recommend letting it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can use ground turkey, beef, or pork as a substitute for ground chicken. Each will alter the flavor a bit but will still taste great. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms instead. The spice level of this casserole is mild to medium. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add some heat, but you can adjust it. If you want it spicier, add jalapeños or extra taco seasoning to the mix. Absolutely! To make this casserole vegetarian, skip the ground chicken. You can add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps it hearty and filling while being meat-free. This Chicken Taco Casserole combines easy prep and delightful flavors. We covered all steps, from prepping the base to baking. Don't forget to adjust the spices to fit your taste. You can customize the recipe with different proteins or veggies too. If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the fridge and freezer. Reheat it to enjoy the original taste. Each bite will bring a smile. Try making this dish for your next gathering or family meal. You'll love how simple it is!

Fiesta Chicken Taco Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring ground chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 avocado diced
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground chicken to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  • In a large casserole dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
  • Spread half of the chicken mixture over the chips, then layer half of the shredded cheese on top.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla chips, chicken mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle sour cream over the top, and sprinkle with diced avocado and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole directly from the dish, garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy with additional sour cream or salsa on the side!
Keyword casserole, chicken, fiesta, taco