Ground Chicken Casserole

This ground chicken casserole is the ultimate flavor-filled dinner recipe. It's loaded up with juicy tomatoes, black beans, corn, and tender, savory ground chicken. Topped with a layer of tortilla shells and melted cheese, I can't stop making this easy ground chicken recipe!

Why I Love This Ground Chicken Casserole Recipe

This ground chicken casserole is a go-to in my kitchen for busy weeknights—not just because it’s quick and easy, but because it brings everyone to the table. One evening, I was racing the clock between work and bedtime, and this casserole went from fridge to oven in under 10 minutes. When I took it out, the cheese was bubbly, the tortillas crisped at the edges, and the house was filled with a Tex-Mex aroma.

What stands out about this recipe is its perfect flavor balance—savory ground chicken mixes with vibrant tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet roasted corn. Layered under tortillas and melted cheese, it’s hearty and wholesome in a way that feels indulgent but never over-the-top.

Over the years, I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, tweaking it based on what’s in my pantry. Sometimes I swap in rotisserie chicken for speed, other times I swap flour tortillas for low-carb options—yet every version hits that same cozy, “weeksaver” nerve. That consistency? That’s what gives me confidence in sharing it with you.

Serve it with sour cream, or spice it up with a side of jalapeño cornbread or my Taco Bell nacho fries—and you’ve got a healthy, hearty meal that's perfect for any night of the week. 

Ingredients  

The list for this ground chicken casserole recipe might be a little odd, but trust me, everything comes together to make a delicious recipe. Plus, you might have some of the ingredients on hand already! Here's what you need to make ground chicken casserole:

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 chicken seasoning 
• 15 oz. black beans
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes
• 2 grilled corn on the cobs or 2 cups canned corn
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 6 flour tortillas cut into small triangles 
• 1 ½ cup mixed shredded cheese (I use a Mexican cheese blend with cheddar cheese)
• 1 cup sour cream for serving 

If you're grabbing chicken from the store, pick up some extra so you can make this cream cheese chicken for your next dinner. It's one of my favorite creamy chicken recipes, so you'll definitely want to give it a try.

How To Make Ground Chicken Casserole

Step 1. Prepare:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9x-13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2. Cook ground chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken to the hot oil and cook, breaking it apart, until it's almost cooked through. Add chicken seasoning and stir to coat the chicken in it.

Step 3. Add the Flavor:

 Next, add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, and chicken broth to the chicken mixture. Stir until well combined, then turn off the heat.

Step 4. Assemble the Casserole:

Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with ½ of tortillas. Spread the meat and bean mixture over the tortilla layer, then put the remaining tortillas on top of the chicken and bean mixture. Top with all of the shredded cheese to finish it off.

Step 5. Bake and Serve:

Bake the casserole for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are slightly golden brown around the edges. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving with sour cream. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Brown the chicken properly for flavor: Ground chicken is lean, so it benefits from a little extra browning. Cook it in olive oil until it develops light golden spots before adding seasoning. This caramelization deepens the flavor and keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
• Season in layers, not just once: Don’t rely only on the final sprinkle of cheese for flavor. When you add your chicken seasoning, taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili powder. Layering seasoning makes every bite taste balanced.
• Drain tomatoes and beans well: Since you’re already adding chicken broth, extra liquid from the canned tomatoes or beans can make the casserole soggy. Drain them before adding so the tortillas stay firm instead of soaking through.
• Use sturdy tortillas for the best texture: Corn tortillas hold up best under layers of beans, chicken, and broth, keeping structure in the casserole. Flour tortillas work too, but can soften more quickly, giving you a creamier texture.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shredding cheese from a block ensures it melts into a gooey, bubbly topping that browns beautifully.
• Rest before slicing: Let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes after baking. This step is key—it allows the layers to set and makes cutting and serving much easier without everything sliding apart.
• Add freshness on top: While sour cream adds creaminess, you can brighten each slice with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. This fresh contrast balances the hearty filling.
• Customize with easy swaps: Swap ground chicken for turkey or beef if you like. You can also stir in diced bell peppers or jalapeños with the beans and corn for extra flavor and color.

How To Store Ground Chicken Casserole

• In the fridge: Store your leftover ground chicken casserole in an airtight container or in a baking dish with a lid on it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: Allow the leftover casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Put the ground chicken casserole back in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired temperature. Allow frozen leftovers to thaw overnight in the fridge, or add more reheating time.

FAQs About This Ground Chicken Casserole Recipe

How do I cook ground chicken without drying it out?

Ground chicken is lean, so it can dry out quickly. The key is to cook it over medium heat and avoid rushing the process on high heat. Adding chicken broth, as this recipe does, helps lock in moisture and infuses extra flavor so the casserole filling stays juicy.

Do I have to use tortillas?

No, this ground chicken casserole is still delicious without them. I like to add some cauliflower rice to the filling if I'm leaving out the tortillas for a healthy low carb meal option.

What can I serve with ground chicken casserole?

I love to serve a bunch of different things like this La Scala chopped salad, and turnip greens with this ground chicken casserole.

Can I make ground chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble each element of the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store them in airtight containers, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole in a dish and add an extra 5–7 minutes to the cook time since it will be starting cold from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or hosting.

More Easy Casserole Recipes To Make Next

• Cheesy chicken Rotel casserole
• Lasagna casserole
• Kielbasa casserole
• Chicken crescent roll casserole
• Swiss chicken casserole
• Ground turkey casserole
• Chicken pasta casserole
• Chicken enchilada casserole