Cheesy Taco Chicken Casserole (Print Version)

Cheesy casserole loaded with seasoned chicken, beans, corn, and bold Tex-Mex flavors for easy weeknight meals.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (approximately 2 large breasts)
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

→ Dairy

08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

14 - Sliced green onions
15 - Fresh cilantro
16 - Diced avocado
17 - Sliced jalapeños

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
03 - Add black beans, corn, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
04 - Stir in shredded chicken and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is creamy and warmed.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese until partially melted and evenly distributed.
06 - Spoon the prepared mixture into the greased casserole dish and smooth the top into an even layer.
07 - Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Place dish in oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until casserole is bubbling and the cheese begins to turn golden.
09 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños as desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour which keeps weeknights sane
  • Uses leftover chicken and pantry staples so you likely have what you need
  • Layers of cheese and Tex-Mex spices make it both kid friendly and crowd pleasing
  • Flexible toppings keep everyone at the table happy
02 -
  • High in protein from lean chicken and beans
  • Naturally gluten free if you use a gluten free taco seasoning
  • Feeds a crowd easily and leftovers reheat beautifully
  • The Monterey Jack cheese is what makes every forkful impossibly gooey
03 -
  • If your casserole is not bubbling at the edges, give it an extra five minutes
  • The cheesy topping gets extra golden if you let it sit under the broiler for one minute right at the end
  • Do not skip letting it rest five minutes before serving or you will lose that perfect slice

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