When evenings get hectic and you still want a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and universally loved, Chicken Taco Casserole is one of my go-to recipes. It hits all the right notes: tender chicken, zesty taco seasoning, melted cheese, and wholesome ingredients—without demanding too much effort.
What makes it a staple in my kitchen is its versatility and ease. No mess of individual tacos, just one dish to bake and serve. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, customization, and feeding a crowd.
What Makes This Casserole a Winner
- One-pan convenience — minimal dishes, maximum flavor
- Flavor-forward — the taco seasoning + juicy chicken combination is a home run
- Family-friendly — kids and adults alike will dig in
- Even better next day — flavors deepen with time
- Quick to pull together — about 30 minutes prep & cook
And the best part? You can dress it up with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, extra cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips to suit your mood or guests.
Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: ~10 minutes
Bake Time: ~28–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked, shredded or diced chicken (breast, tenderloin, or rotisserie)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ packet taco seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp diced green onions
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, crumbled tortilla chips, salsa
Instructions
- Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. - Mix chicken filling
In a bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sour cream, lime juice, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and about half the cheddar cheese. Stir until well incorporated. - Layer beans & veggies
Spread the black beans, diced onion, and red bell pepper evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. - Add chicken mixture & cheese
Distribute the chicken mixture over the beans and vegetables. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle diced green onions on top. - Bake it
Bake in the preheated oven for about 28–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Garnish & serve
Let it rest briefly, then serve with your favorite toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, chips, salsa — whatever you love!
Tips & Customizations
- Even chicken pieces: Dice the chicken evenly so the texture is consistent.
- Cheese options: Swap or mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Adjust heat: Increase or decrease the taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños.
- Dairy-free / lighter version: Use a dairy-free sour cream, plant-based cheese, or skip the cheese layer.
- Add veggies: Throw in corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Why You’ll Make This Again & Again
This casserole strikes a perfect balance between comfort and convenience. It gives you all the taco flavors you love, but with less wrapping, filling, and cleanup. It’s easy to adapt to tastes and diets, works for meal prep or weeknight dinners, and always gets devoured. That’s why it holds a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.